Prior to the surgical implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, the patient has a 1-week trial using an external stimulator. The purpose of the trial is to evaluate if the application of spinal cord stimulation effectively reduces the patient’s pain before committing to permanent implantation.

The spinal cord stimulator trial, which lasts about a week, involves stimulation through thin wires inserted into the body and controlled by an external transmitter. The trial procedure usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes and is done in a clinic, day surgery center, or hospital.

A Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial is a procedural test in which temporary wires, called leads, are threaded through a needle into the epidural space in the back or neck area. The epidural space is an area located outside of the spinal cord area. The leads are then attached to the stimulator and the stimulator is taped to you skin.

The spinal cord stimulator trial involves stimulation through thin wires inserted into the body controlled by an external transmitter. The trial lasts approximately one week and does not involve an actual implant in the body. While the patient is lying face down, a local anesthetic is applied to the injection site.

Spinal cord stimulators require two procedures to test and implant the device: the trial and the implantation. Spinal cord stimulation can improve overall quality of life and sleep, and reduce the need for pain medicines.

Learn about the process patients take to do a spinal cord stimulation therapy trial and get the implant.

Jul 3, 2023 · Spinal cord stimulator implantation is an essential procedure for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. In select patient's spinal stimulators can be effective pain relievers with a relatively low complication rate. This activity outlines the spinal cord stimulator implantation.

Before your trial begins, talk to your Pain Management Specialist about what to expect from the trial process. A Boston Scientific Clinical Specialist will also be available before, during, and after the trial to provide help and support. Consider scheduling your trial during a time when you don’t have any big events or work commitments.

Dec 31, 2023 · Trials typically last 3–7 days and is considered successful if resulting in ≥50% pain relief and improved activity (Deer et al., Neuromodulation 17 (6):515–550, 2014). If successful, permanent leads and pulse generator are implanted after a period of observation to ensure that no infection has formed.

4 days ago · Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) Electrical stimulation was applied to all subjects using a constant current stimulator (DS8R, Digitimer Ltd., UK) in open loop system (without communication with the Lokomat), which delivered a symmetrical rectangular biphasic current at a frequency of 30 Hz and a 1 ms pulse-width, with a phase duration of 0.5 ms and inter-pulse-interval of 0.