United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Has anybody had the Electrodes implanted in the c-spine that act like an "internal TENS unit" to interupt pain signals? I'm 95% committed but need to know how well it works. Is it worth the trouble? Talk to me.------Ronin

Ronin, I have no experience with nthis but I have posted your message on the UK boards, maybe someone there can help! I will let you know!

Court xo

Hi Ronin
Everything I've read about SCS (spinal cord stimulator) says that it will not work for brachial plexus avulsion pain, in fact none of the electrical treatments(TES, TENs etc) have been shown to work if the nerves are not in continuity. If you don't have avulsions it might work but evidence shows that long term the effects diminish.
This page is very detailed in info about which cases do and do not respond to the SCS and its proper implantation and use. It's pretty long but is independent information, unlike most of that usually supplied on manufacturers websites. http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=cache: ... n&ie=UTF-8

Here is a more general page about invasive treatments , the SCS is part way down http://www.arachnoiditis.org.nz/content ... ments.html

hhhm I seem to have posted the 1st site as html instead of PDF, makes it more irritating to read but at least highlights the relevant sections....sorry!

Hi Eric, in my opinion, based on years of research and talking to others, this procedure probably won't work. I would be the first to hold my hand up and admit I am wrong IF it does, but I have not come across anyone at all who could honestly say it worked for them, for this injury specifically. The articles Jen posted are pretty good...they should give you a bit more of an insight into E-STIM and spinal implants and the mechanics of how it works/doesn't work for relieving pain after certain types of injury.

I would dearly LOVE to hear from anyone who gained any pain relief from this, but I'm not holding me breath.

Liz

Hi,

I had the trial of this years ago, to see if it had any effect before having it implanted definitely. It didn't work. There was no pain relief. (My roots are avulsed.) There were no complications.

I might suggest doing the week-or-so-long trial to see if it works for you, as long as you have a good doctor. you never know, it might work but its probably unlikely.

The latest recommendation for me was the DREZ procedure by an overly aggressive doctor. I'm not going to do it-Way too risky, not worth it when I have decent pain relief from meds.

Best of luck to you,
Jen