Spinal cord electrical stimulation after concussion, injury
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a medical technology used to reduce chronic pain, often for conditions that are refractory to other treatments. However, its use for concussions or head injuries is unusual and requires a special approach.
Concussions and head injuries can be associated with a variety of complications, ranging from mild to serious neuropsychiatric conditions. The mainstay of treatment for these injuries is usually conservative measures: rest, medication (to control symptoms), and physical therapy and rehabilitation.
For the treatment of spinal cord injury and its consequences, a treatment method such as electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and its roots is used (as part of complex therapy). From a technical point of view, an electrical stimulator is a device for generating the necessary pulses with programmable parameters, which are supplied to the target area of the patient’s body using special electrodes, thus closing a “live” therapeutic electrical circuit.
Modern radioelectronic and biomedical technologies allow not only to reduce the size of these devices, but also to ensure their safe neurosurgical implantation (“implantation”) into the patient’s body (usually under the skin and into soft tissues) with subsequent remote control of stimulation modes, which can be carried out by the patient himself using a special remote control.
The energy reserve in modern implanted neuromodulation devices is enough for several years of continuous operation.
The most common technique used for spinal cord stimulation is epidural implantation, which means that electrodes are implanted outside the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. Thus, electrical stimulation mimics the normal bioelectrical impulses that travel from the brain through the spinal cord to the extremities.
Individually selected electroneurostimulation programs allow for successful and long-term “calm down” of persistent severe pain syndromes that developed after trauma to nervous structures or occurred in the postoperative period, in particular, in the “operated spine” syndrome, when the pathological anatomical substrate (for example, a bone fragment or a traumatic herniated intervertebral disc) has already been surgically removed.
What to do after a concussion or a fall
If, after a concussion or injury, there is a need for spinal cord stimulation due to other diagnosed problems with the spine or nervous system, this should be strictly agreed with the doctor. Some key points:
- 1Consultation with a specialist: It is important to consult with a neurologist or neurosurgeon to accurately determine the need for SCS after a concussion or concussion.
- Diagnosis and examination: Before starting any treatment, a thorough examination is performed to rule out possible contraindications and clarify the patient’s condition.
- Alternative methods: Less invasive methods of treating chronic pain or other symptoms after a concussion or injury may be considered.
- Monitoring and safety: If SCS is decided upon, the process should be closely monitored to avoid complications or worsening of the condition.
Please note the importance of personal consultation and an individual approach to each case, as self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences.
Advantages of the method
Spinal cord stimulation can:
- accelerate the gradual recovery of sensitivity and motor skills in victims,
- normalize trophism (tissue nutrition), which is provided, among other things, by the spinal cord,
- and also to reduce pathologically increased muscle tone in spasticity.
Long-term electroneurostimulation, the application point of which is the roots of the sacral plexus, allows normalization of impaired functions of the pelvic organs (neurogenic or overactive bladder, fecal incontinence) in patients with spinal cord injury.
Thus, spinal cord electrical stimulation, being a high-tech, physiological and minimally invasive technique, significantly improves the quality of life of patients with spinal injury and its consequences , giving them a real opportunity to return to a full-fledged active life, social and labor adaptation.
