Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment method that provides electrical stimulation of nerve cells in the upper part of the spinal cord. This method can be used to treat certain nervous system problems such as spinal cord paralysis. Nervous system problems cause serious functional losses, pain and deterioration in the skeletal system in patients. Spinal cord stimulation is accomplished by applying electrical impulses to specific points of the spinal cord, and these impulses can reactivate signals that control movement by stimulating nerve cells. In this way, partial or complete recovery of mobility can be achieved in individuals with spinal cord paralysis.

In the article, detailed information about the spinal cord stimulation method will be explained under the following headings:

• What are nervous system problems and how do they occur?
• What are the symptoms of nervous system problems?
• How to diagnose nervous system problems?
• What is spinal cord stimulation? How is it applied?

What are Nervous System Problems and How Do They Occur?

Nervous system problems are health problems caused by nerve cells or the nervous system not working properly. These problems may be caused by genetic factors or may occur as a result of certain diseases or traumas. For example, some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can cause damage to nerve cells, which can lead to the nervous system not working properly. In addition, some traumas such as spinal cord paralysis can affect the nervous system, which can have serious consequences such as loss of mobility.

What are the Symptoms of Nervous System Problems?

Symptoms of nervous system problems can vary from person to person, but in general, the following symptoms can be seen:

• Decreased or lost mobility
• Sensory disorders (distortion of senses such as touch, taste, smell, sight)
• Loss of sense (such as ear, sight, touch)
• Hearing loss
• Pain related to the nervous system
• Deformations or seizures in the skeletal system
• Changes in facial expression
• Language or speech disorders
• Loss of function (especially in urine and stool control)
• Difficulties or disorders in bodily movements

It is important to note that not all of these symptoms alone determine whether there are nervous system problems.

How are nervous system problems diagnosed?

The diagnosis of nervous system problems is given by a doctor and usually consists of several stages. First of all, the doctor performs a physical examination by listening to the patient's complaints and the occurrence of the complaint. Also, the doctor may order some tests and examinations as needed. For example, tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance) imaging, electromyography (EMG), or electroneurostomy (ENMG) may be done to understand the cause of nervous system problems. These tests can help the doctor understand the cause of nervous system problems by examining the nervous system and the condition of nerve cells. X-ray method, which is used to determine the problems related to the nervous system, can examine the condition of bones and tissues by taking the image of the nervous system. After all these examinations, the diagnosis is made.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation? How is it applied?

Spinal cord stimulation is a type of surgical treatment. This treatment aims to regain some muscle movement by electrically stimulating the muscles under the spinal cord by inserting a tube and electrodes. It aims to compensate for some of the loss of motion caused by spinal cord paralysis. The steps to apply spinal cord stimulation are as follows:

• The patient is evaluated by a doctor or other healthcare professional and it is decided to insert a spinal cord stimulation device if appropriate for treatment.
• The doctor determines the most suitable point where the spinal cord stimulation device will be inserted and places a needle and a cable at this point. This cable will be connected to the spinal cord stimulation device.
• The place where the spinal cord stimulation device will be inserted is anesthetized under anesthesia. This is done so that the patient does not experience pain during the insertion of the device.
• The doctor puts on the spinal cord stimulation device and adjusts the device using the included controller. The controller determines the strength and frequency of current the device delivers to the spinal cord.
• Whether the spinal cord stimulation device works or not is tested and necessary adjustments are made to ensure that the device works optimally.
• After the correct setting of the electric current, you are given a controller. This device can change the setting of the electric current and you can control your pain sensation using the device.

Post-Treatment Process

In order to increase the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation treatment, regular physical therapy and exercises are recommended after the operation. The effect of this treatment may vary from person to person and may be more effective in some people. In the post-treatment period, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about the recovery process of the person and have regular check-ups.