J. Holsheimer, EFFECTIVENESS OF SPINAL-CORD STIMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONICPAIN - ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL DRAWBACKS AND SOLUTIONS, Neurosurgery, 40(5), 1997, pp. 990-996
OBJECTIVE: A major drawback of currently available spinal cord stimula
tion (SCS) systems for the management of chronic intractable pain, esp
ecially of widespread pain patterns as in reflex sympathetic dystrophy
, is the generally limited paresthesia coverage. The aim of this study
is to analyze the origin of this problem and to provide solutions. ME
THODS: Results from theoretical studies, in which a computer model was
used to mimic the effects of SCS on spinal nerve fibers, were used to
analyze which factors may limit paresthesia coverage. Model predictio
ns were verified by empirical data from clinical literature. RESULTS:
When using common SCS electrodes, both perception threshold and motor/
discomfort threshold are generally related to dorsal root stimulation,
Because these thresholds have a small ratio (similar to 1:1.4), stimu
lation of dorsal column fibers and paresthesia coverage is limited by
this small range of stimulation. When the distance between the epidura
l electrode and spinal cord is large (midthoracically), the threshold
for dorsal column stimulation exceeds discomfort threshold, resulting
only in segmental paresthesia. The range of dorsal column stimulation
and paresthesia coverage can be improved when using either an optimall
y dimensioned rostrocaudal bi-/tripole or a transverse tripole (''guar
ded cathode''). When applying the latter in combination with a dual ch
annel pulse generator providing simultaneous pulses, paresthesias can
simply be changed to optimally cover the painful area. CONCLUSION: Par
esthesia coverage and pain management by SCS can be improved when usin
g electrodes as proposed.