ProcedureAblation & neuromodulation
Spinal cord stimulation
Neuromodulation is considered when severe nerve pain has resisted everything reasonable. Nothing is implanted permanently without a trial period first, where you live with the device for about a week and decide on the evidence of your own experience.
What it is
Fine leads are placed in the epidural space and connected to a small pulse generator. The electrical field alters the way pain signals are processed before they reach the brain.
Who it suits
- Severe neuropathic leg or arm pain after spinal surgery
- Established CRPS not responding to rehabilitation and medication
- Persistent nerve pain where medication is ineffective or intolerable
- People able and willing to engage with the trial and aftercare
How the pathway runs
- Full assessment, including psychological assessment — standard for every candidate
- Trial: temporary leads placed, roughly a week of ordinary life with the device
- Decision made together, on the results you recorded
- Implantation if the trial succeeded; leads simply removed if it did not
- Programming and review appointments over the following months
Afterwards
Lifting and twisting are restricted for several weeks while the leads settle. Programming is adjusted at review to match how you actually use the device.
Risks
- Lead movement requiring repositioning
- Infection — the main reason for careful screening and sterile technique
- Loss of effect over time in some people
- Device or battery requiring later replacement
- MRI compatibility varies by device and must be checked
A note on this page
This is general information, written to help you prepare for a conversation. It is not a substitute for an individual assessment — what is right for you depends on your history, your examination and your own goals.
Common questions
Asked before, answered here
The temporary leads are removed and nothing permanent is implanted. That is exactly what a trial is for.
It is standard for all neuromodulation candidates and improves outcomes. It is not a test of whether your pain is real.
—Begin
Ask whether this suits you
Suitability is decided after an assessment, never from a form. Tell us where you are up to and we will advise honestly.
Visit
Level 2, 48 Macquarie StreetSydney, NSW 2000Response
Enquiries are answered within one to two business days. Urgent clinical matters are triaged the same day by the practice team.