Effective Pain Relief through Neuromodulation: Innovative Treatment of Chronic Pain
In neuromodulation/neurostimulation, the activity of the nervous system is altered by transmitting electrical impulses, thereby alleviating chronic pain. At Dolomed, we offer various forms of neuromodulation to provide patients with difficult-to-treat pain effective relief and an improved quality of life.
Central Spinal Cord Stimulation versus Peripheral Nerve Stimulation:
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: This method uses electrical impulses delivered via electrodes to the spinal cord to block pain signals. For this purpose, electrodes are implanted into the spinal canal and connected to a pulse generator. This neurostimulation system generates electrical impulses that are picked up by the spinal cord and transmitted to the brain.
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Electrical impulses are sent directly to the peripheral nerves to alleviate pain. The electrodes are implanted directly onto the nerves under ultrasound guidance. Electrical impulses are generated that modulate the nerves and their response to pain.
Neurostimulation Therapy Procedure (Spinal Cord Stimulation / Peripheral Nerve Stimulation)
A neurostimulation therapy at Dolomed involves several steps to ensure that the treatment is effective and safe:
- Anamnesis and Consultation: A detailed discussion with the treating physician to determine the suitability of neuromodulation.
- Therapy: Before considering the implantation of neurostimulation, a conservative and interventional pain therapy must first be carried out. If this does not bring the desired success, a cost approval request can be sent to the health insurance company and the use of neurostimulation can be planned.
- Test Stimulation: A temporary placement of the electrodes to test the effectiveness of the stimulation. The stimulation is performed externally; the pulse generator is not yet permanently implanted. This treatment usually takes place inpatient for 2 to 3 days.
- Implantation: If the test stimulation is successful, the neurostimulation system is permanently implanted. This implantation can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.
- Aftercare: Regular follow-up examinations to monitor the system's functionality and make adjustments.
Advantages of Neuromodulation
- Effective Pain Relief: Many patients report a significant reduction in their pain. This effect can be observed within a few days (test phase). Fine-tuning the stimulation system usually takes several weeks.
- Improved Quality of Life: By reducing pain, patients can participate more actively in life again.
- Reduction of Medication: Many patients can reduce their need for painkillers.
Indications for the Implantation of a Neurostimulator for Spinal Cord or Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
- Chronic back pain, especially after surgeries
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Sudeck's Atrophy
- Neuropathic pain
- Diabetic or other polyneuropathy
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease for improving pain situation and microcirculation
What next?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When correctly indicated, neurostimulation can be very effective and offer significant pain relief and improved quality of life.
Neurostimulation uses electrical impulses delivered via implanted electrodes to nerves or the spinal cord to modulate pain signals and their transmission to the brain.
Neuromodulation is an umbrella term that encompasses various neurostimulation techniques. Both terms are often used synonymously.
Neurostimulation, as well as aftercare, is performed by specialized medical professionals experienced in pain therapy and neurosurgery.
Neurostimulation is suitable for patients with chronic pain who do not respond sufficiently to conventional treatments. Your doctor will make this decision together with you.
A neurostimulator can last for several years before the battery needs to be replaced. Regular aftercare is important to monitor its functionality.
The implantation of a neurostimulator is generally a minimally invasive surgery with low risks. Specific risks depend on the implantation site of the electrodes. Your doctor will inform you about these in detail.
ALLOCATION / DELEGATION VOUCHER
Competence center for pain medicine Competence
center for pain medicine
- Location Biel / Site Bienne
- Bahnhofplatz 2C / Station Square 2C 2nd floor, 2502 Biel-Bienne
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- Location Bern / Bern site
- Sidlerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern-Berne 2nd floor, 2502 Bern-Berne
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- Grenchen site / Site de Granges
- Wissbächlistrasse 48, 2540 Grenchen
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