A neurostimulator is a surgically placed device about the size of a stopwatch. It delivers mild electrical signals to the epidural space near your spine through one or more leads (special medical wires). The electrical signals cause a tingling sensation in the area of your back and leg pain.
How It Works
Neurostimulation provides pain relief by modifying (modulating) the pain messages before they reach the brain. Think of it like rubbing your "funny bone" after you've bumped it – the rubbing masks the feeling of pain. Similarly, the tingling produced by the neurostimulation system masks the feeling in your area of pain.
You can adjust the strength and location of stimulation using a handheld programmer. For example, you can regulate different levels of stimulation at different times of the day or for various activities – such as walking, sleeping, or sitting.
About the Neurostimulation System
A complete neurostimulation system consists of five parts:
Neurostimulator – The device that generates the electrical impulses (usually placed under the skin in your abdomen)
Leads – Special medical wires that deliver neurostimulation to the epidural space near the spine
Extension – The cable under the skin that connects the lead(s) to the neurostimulator (optional on some systems)
Physician’s programmer – A computer at your doctor’s office that lets your doctor adjust the neurostimulation system and set stimulation parameters
Patient’s programmer – A handheld device you can use at home to customize the stimulation (within the settings your doctor has selected)
The neurostimulation system does not make any noise. It may be felt as a small bump under your skin, but does not normally show through your clothes.
A neurostimulator is a small, surgically placed device. It delivers an electrical signal to the epidural space near your spinal cord through one or more leads (special medical wires). This signal prevents back and leg pain messages from reaching the brain.
Is it right for me?
Talk to your doctor to determine what kinds of pain treatments would work for you. The choice of treatment depends on the type of pain, how severe it is, and how you respond to your pain treatment. If your doctor thinks you are a good candidate for neurostimulation, you can complete a neurostimulation screening test so that you can experience the therapy to see if it will work for you.
Is neurostimulation new?
No. Medtronic neurostimulation systems have been on the market for more than 30 years and have helped thousands of people worldwide return to meaningful function.
How does neurostimulation feel?
The sensation felt from neurostimulation varies from person to person, but most people report a mild tingling sensation in the area of their pain.
Will neurostimulation completely eliminate my chronic pain?
Typically, people who find the treatment helpful experience greater than 50% pain relief.1-6 However, neurostimulation does not eliminate the source of the pain, so the amount of pain reduction varies from person to person.
Will the neurostimulation system eliminate other sources of pain?
Your neurostimulation system will not provide relief from other types of pain such as headaches, stomachaches, fractures, etc.
What is the surgery like?
The surgery to implant the neurostimulation system takes approximately 1 to 3 hours and may require a brief hospital stay.
