Central nervous stimulation in neurological disease

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation has an objective and beneficial effect on the bladder dysfunction of MS in about two-thirds of patients, and this improvement has been seen in patients who have previously been treated by standard techniques. With the exception of pain, and possibly spasticity, other manifestations of MS are unlikely to respond. Much more information is required before long-term benefit can be assessed. There is room for considerable technical improvement, particularly with regard to the problem of slippage of electrodes. Further detailed studies of the effects of SCS are necessary in order to have a clearer understanding of the mechanism of action and, for the reasons enumerated, and because SCS is a potentially hazardous technique, the procedure should only be carried out in centres where adequate facilities and staff are available and permanent follow up is intended. Preferably the investigative group should include an engineer, neurophysiologist, urologist and neurologist.