Epidural Stimulation Treatment

Epidural stimulation is a type of treatment method that is used to treat and manage spine related concerns like injury and pain. It involves the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator inside the epidural space of the spine. The device contains thin wire, which is known as electrodes, and a tiny, pacemaker-like battery pack. Both are placed under the skin, through surgery typically near the buttocks or abdomen. Once the stimulator is implanted in the epidural space of the spine, a physiotherapist team checks the working of the stimulator and fixes its intensity and frequency of the current according to the patient’s body needs.  

The main work of the stimulator is to send electrical signals in the form of current to the brain to control the pain. Epidural stimulator treatment helps in managing pain and provides relief to those patients who are suffering with chronic back pain. It is considered an advanced treatment that successfully manages spinal cord injuries and offers recovery hope and rehabilitation among doctors and patients.

When is Epidural Stimulation Used?

When nonsurgical treatments like medications fail to provide enough relief then doctors suggest this treatment to patients for managing pain. Other than that it is also used to treat different pain conditions these include: 

• Nerves-related pain 
• Peripheral vascular disease 
• Pain after amputation 
• Post-Surgical Pain 
• Arachnoiditis 
• Pain from injuries
• Chronic back pain  
• Perineal pain 

Benefits of Epidural Stimulation 

Following are the common benefits of availing spinal cord stimulation treatment:

• Manage pain 
• Improve Sleep Quality 
• Reduce discomfort 
• Improve certain leg movements
• Manage regulation of body temperature

Complications Associated with Epidural Stimulation 

The occurrence of complications is rare however, it would be wrong to say that no procedure is without risks. In some cases, the patients may experience a small percentage of complications and risks. These are as follows:

• Bleeding
• Wrong placement of the device 
• Infection
• Device Damage 
• Certain Fluid Leakage 
• Spinal Cord Trauma 
• Device displacement

Spinal Cord Stimulator Types 

Spinal cord stimulator are available in three types these include:

• Conventional Implantable pulse generator is a battery operating stimulator. It is placed in the spine during surgery. This device is a good option for those individuals who are suffering with pain in just one body part because it has a lower electrical output.
• Rechargeable IPG works similar to conventional devices; the only difference is that it can recharge without going for another surgery. In this type of stimulator, the energy source is automatically rechargeable. This is a better choice for those patients who are suffering pain in their lower back and legs.   
• Radio-frequency stimulators use a battery outside the body. This type of stimulator is no longer in use today because of new technology.

Procedure of Epidural Stimulation Treatment and its Cost

Epidural stimulation cost ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 however, it can vary depending on different factors these include:

• City Location
• Type of Hospital
• Type of Stimulation
• Surgeon’s Expertise
• Patient condition 
• Hospital stay 

Epidural Stimulation Implantation Procedure 

The surgery procedure is done through following steps these include: 

• First of all, doctors check your medical history thoroughly, then determine the surgery. 
• Once you are fit for the operation, the surgeon leads your surgery procedure.
• In the beginning, the operating surgeon provides you anesthesia so you can feel relaxed during the surgery.   
• Once the incisions are made in the abdomen back the doctor starts inserting the device. 
• When the electrodes and generator are connected and running properly in the body then the surgeon closes the incisions. 
• After that, a team will ensure that the device is properly working or not once they are sure they give the discharge on the same day.