selkäydinstimulaatio

Selkäydinstimulaatio, also known as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), is a medical treatment that uses electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain. It involves implanting a small device, called a neurostimulator, that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals interfere with pain signals being sent to the brain, effectively masking the pain sensation.

The procedure typically involves two stages. First, a temporary trial is conducted where electrodes are placed through the skin and connected to an external battery pack. If the trial provides adequate pain relief, the patient may proceed to the permanent implantation stage. In this stage, the electrodes are surgically placed under the skin, and the neurostimulator, which acts as a battery and pulse generator, is implanted in the abdomen or buttock. The patient can then control the stimulation levels using a handheld remote.

Selkäydinstimulaatio is primarily used for chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments, such as back and leg pain after surgery, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and certain types of neuropathy. It is not a cure for pain, but rather a tool to manage and reduce its intensity, thereby improving quality of life. Potential risks and complications, though uncommon, include infection, lead migration, hardware malfunction, and changes in stimulation sensation. A thorough evaluation by a pain specialist is necessary to determine suitability for this treatment.