Neuromodulation Therapy in Chronic Pain and Clinical Outcomes: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: Neuromodulation therapies are successful treatment options for pain raised from a variety of etiologies. Careful patient selection and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential to achieve the best outcome. We aimed to discuss the common indications of neuromodulation therapies, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of patient follow-up to 3 and 6 months. Methods: Twentytree patients completed the 6-month follow-up: four underwent cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS), sixteen had thoracic SCS, and three had sacral neuromodulation (SNS). Outcome measures were pain (visual analog scale[VAS]), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]), Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) neuropathic pain scale questionnaire. The overactive bladder assessment form and the pelvic pain impact questionnaire were performed on patients who would undergo SNS. Results: A significant difference was shown in regards to the scores of the VAS, SF-36 parameters, ODI, and LANSS between admission and the third and sixth-month follow-ups (p<0.001). Visual Analog Scale, ODI, and LANSS sixth-month scores were also lower than the third-month scores (p=0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of sex. Conclusion: Neuromodulation therapies provide short and long-Term pain relief and quality-of-life improvements in patients with refractory chronic pain syndromes.