TREATMENT OVERVIEW
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Trial is a simple, reversible "test drive" to determine if this advanced therapy is the right long-term solution for your chronic pain. For about a week, you'll experience the therapy at home during your normal activities to see how much pain relief it provides. A successful trial is the crucial next step toward a permanent, life-changing implant.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
The trial procedure is minimally invasive and performed in our outpatient suite under local anesthetic and light sedation. While you are lying face down, your physician uses fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to guide one or two thin, flexible wires called leads into the epidural space of your spine, near the nerves that carry your pain signals.
Once the leads are in place, they are connected to an external programmer. You will be awake enough to give feedback as your doctor adjusts the stimulation, ensuring the therapy covers the precise location of your pain. This "mapping" process is key to a successful trial.
After the leads are perfectly positioned, they are secured to your back with a sterile dressing and tape. The ends of the leads are then connected to a small, portable trial stimulator that you can wear on a belt. You'll be taught how to use the simple remote control before you go home to begin your trial week.
TREATMENT ADVANTAGES
The SCS trial is a unique and empowering opportunity, allowing you to experience an advanced therapy and make an informed decision before committing to a permanent solution.
The trial lets you experience the therapy in your real-world environment to see if it significantly reduces your pain and improves your daily life before making a long-term decision.
You are in control. Based on your personal experience, you and your doctor can confidently decide if proceeding with a permanent implant is the right choice for you.
SCS is specifically designed for chronic neuropathic pain (e.g., nerve pain after surgery, CRPS) that has not responded to other forms of treatment.
A successful trial is the first step toward a permanent solution that has been clinically proven to help patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medications.
The trial is entirely temporary. At the end of the week, the leads are gently and painlessly removed in our office, leaving nothing behind in your body.
The primary goal is to see if SCS helps you stand longer, walk farther, sleep better, and participate more fully in life with significantly less pain.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The SCS trial is a very low-risk procedure. Most side effects are minor and related to the temporary nature of the external leads. True complications are rare.
Important: During the trial week, you must not shower (sponge baths only) and should avoid excessive bending, lifting, or twisting to prevent the temporary leads from moving out of place.
PREPARATION GUIDE
Proper preparation is key to a successful and smooth procedure. Please review the following important steps to ensure you are ready for your appointment.
Ensure you have a thorough review with Dr. Fura. Disclose all allergies, especially to medications like contrast dye.
Stop blood thinners and other specific medications as instructed by Dr. Fura before your procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Avoid jewelry and leave valuables at home for safekeeping.
RECOVERY GUIDE
Your "recovery" is actually the trial period itself. The goal is to live with the therapy and evaluate its effectiveness in your daily life.
Take it easy after the procedure. Get comfortable using your remote control to adjust the therapy. Start a pain diary to log your pain scores with the stimulation on and off.
Test the stimulation during your normal daily activities (within your restrictions). Does it help you sit longer? Walk farther? Sleep better? Reduce your need for pain pills? This is your time to find out.
Gather your final thoughts and pain scores. Based on your experience over the week, you will decide if the pain relief is significant enough for you to want a permanent solution.
At the end of the trial, you'll return to the office. The leads will be painlessly removed. You will then have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your experience to decide if you are a candidate for the permanent implant.
Please don't hesitate to reach out and request an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you, addressing your concerns, and working together to enhance your quality of life.