Spinal Cord Stimulation in India
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a form of neuromodulation used to manage certain chronic pain conditions.
During the procedure, thin electrodes are placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord. The electrodes are connected to a pulse generator that produces electrical stimulation.
An SCS system generally consists of:
The stimulation can be adjusted according to the patient’s pain and response to treatment.
When Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Considered?
SCS may be considered when chronic pain continues to affect daily activities despite appropriate conventional treatment.
Patients may have:
- Persistent back or leg pain
- Burning or shooting pain
- Electric-shock-like pain
- Nerve-related pain
- Pain after spine surgery
- Persistent pain that limits walking or daily activities
The cause of pain and previous treatment are reviewed before SCS is recommended.
Conditions Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation
SCS may be considered for selected patients with chronic pain conditions such as:
Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery
Some patients continue to experience back or leg pain after spine surgery. When appropriate treatment has not provided sufficient relief, SCS may be considered.
Neuropathic Pain
Damage or dysfunction of nerves can cause burning, shooting, tingling, or electric-shock-like pain. Selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain may benefit from neuromodulation.
Chronic Leg or Back Pain
SCS may be considered in selected patients with persistent spinal or limb pain when other treatments have not provided adequate relief.
The suitability of SCS depends on the cause and pattern of pain.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Pain signals travel through nerves and the spinal cord before being processed by the brain.
SCS delivers electrical stimulation through electrodes placed near the spinal cord. This stimulation modifies the processing of pain signals.
The strength and pattern of stimulation can be adjusted using the device programmer.
The aim is to reduce the patient’s perception of chronic pain and improve daily function.
How Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Performed?
Pain Evaluation
The type, location, duration, and cause of pain are assessed. Previous treatments and their results are also reviewed.
Imaging and Other Investigations
Relevant scans and investigations are reviewed to understand the underlying condition.
SCS Trial
In selected patients, temporary stimulation leads may be placed to assess the response to SCS.
Permanent Implantation
If the trial provides an appropriate response, a permanent stimulation system may be implanted.
Programming
The device is programmed after implantation. Settings can be adjusted according to the patient's pain pattern and response.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves are damaged or function abnormally.
Patients may describe neuropathic pain as:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Shooting
- Electric shocks
- Pins and needles
- Pain associated with numbness
When conventional treatment does not provide adequate relief, SCS may be considered for selected patients after evaluation.
Recovery depends on whether the patient has undergone a temporary trial or permanent implantation.
After permanent implantation, follow-up is required to assess pain control and adjust the stimulation settings.
Follow-up may include:
Why Choose Dr. Chirag N. Solanki for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Dr. Chirag N. Solanki is a Senior Neurosurgeon and Functional & Epilepsy Surgery Specialist with specialized training in functional neurosurgery.
His qualifications include:
- MBBS – B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
- MS (General Surgery) – B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
- M.Ch. (Neurosurgery) – NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- Fellowship in Functional Neuromodulation Surgery – John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Fellowship in Neuroendoscopy & Minimally Invasive Brain/Spine Surgery – NSCB, India
His functional neurosurgical practice includes DBS, movement disorders, and epilepsy surgery. His profile also records specialized fellowship training in Functional Neuromodulation Surgery and the establishment of a dedicated Functional Neuromodulation Surgery program in Gujarat.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment in India
Patients with chronic pain that remains difficult to control with conventional treatment can undergo specialist evaluation for spinal cord stimulation.
The treatment pathway generally includes:
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulation
Find clear and reliable answers to common questions about Functional Neuromodulation Surgery in Ahmedabad, treatment approach, and patient care under Dr. Chirag N. Solanki.
SCS is a neuromodulation treatment that uses electrical stimulation near the spinal cord to modify the processing of pain signals.
It may be considered for selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain, persistent spinal pain, and pain that continues after spine surgery.
Yes. A temporary SCS trial may be performed in selected patients before a permanent device is implanted.
SCS is used to manage pain. It does not necessarily treat or remove the underlying cause of the pain.
Yes. The stimulation settings can be programmed and adjusted according to the patient's response.
If chronic or nerve-related pain continues despite appropriate treatment, a specialist evaluation can determine whether spinal cord stimulation may be suitable.
