What is a spinal cord stimulator trial?

How long does the procedure to set up a spinal cord stimulator trial take?

The actual procedure takes about 30-45 minutes, but you should plan to be at the outpatient facility for a few hours. As with any minimally invasive procedure, you will need to be observed for a while after the procedure to ensure you aren’t experiencing any side effects and that the stimulator is properly programmed to your pain needs. You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure due to the use of pain medications. 

Is the procedure for a spinal cord stimulation trial painful?

You may experience some minor discomfort where the needle is inserted to place the electrodes, but this is typically temporary. You may also feel pressure as the needle is inserted and the leads are placed, but this usually only lasts a few minutes. Some patients feel minor soreness for a few days after the procedure. 

How long will a spinal cord stimulator trial last?

Most patients participate in the spinal cord stimulator trial for 3 to 7 days. The trial is completely reversible.

How will I know if my spinal cord stimulation trial is successful?

Your goals for spinal cord stimulation are unique to you, so you and your Neurosurgery One team will define what a successful trial will look like for you. In general, your spinal cord stimulation trial is considered successful if: 

• Your pain is reduced by 50% or more 
• You can reduce or eliminate your need for pain medication
• You are able to enjoy the activities your pain was preventing you from doing 
• Your feel more relaxed
• Your sleep improves
• Your goals are met

How does a spinal cord stimulator trial give me peace of mind?

Most procedures or treatments do not offer patients the opportunity to “test” out whether or not it will work. That’s not the case with spinal cord stimulation. Every candidate for spinal cord stimulation participates in a temporary trial first before undergoing the surgical procedure. Because the technology and patient selection for spinal cord stimulation have improved significantly during the past decade, 90% of patients who undergo a spinal cord stimulator trial decide to move on to long-term spinal cord stimulation therapy. Of these patients who undergo spinal cord stimulation, 95% would recommend the procedure to others.

Are there any restrictions during a spinal cord stimulation trial?

Yes, because the electrodes are connected to an external generator/battery (rather than implanted beneath the skin like during spinal cord stimulation surgery), you are not able to bathe, shower, or be submerged in water. You can take a sponge bath. (Remember, the trial is only for 3-7 days.)

You will need to follow your care team’s instructions carefully. During your trial, you will be asked to limit certain types of bending, twisting, or lifting as these movements could shift the location of your leads and affect your pain relief. 

How is spinal cord stimulation surgery different from the trial?

The biggest difference between the spinal cord stimulator trial and the long-term spinal cord stimulation procedure is that the generator is not placed inside the body during the trial. This allows patients to test whether or not they respond to the stimulation without undergoing the minimally invasive surgery to implant the leads and generator. 

If your spinal cord stimulator trial is successful, you will be scheduled for spinal cord stimulation surgery. During spinal cord stimulator surgery, the temporary electrodes are replaced with electrodes that are either sutured in place (paddle procedure) or placed percutaneously through a needle procedure. Either a rechargeable or non-rechargeable generator, based on patient preference, is placed under the skin. The generator is programmed the same day as the procedure and patients start feeling immediate relief.