Neurostimulation entails the implantation of one or more electrodes in strategic areas of the nervous system to modify or block abnormal signals stemming from a damaged nervous system. The electrodes are powered/controlled by a pulse generator, which can be either implanted under the skin or can be external. Neurostimulation has been utilized in many conditions, including epilepsy, spasticity, paralysis, urinary/fecal incontinence to name a few. Neurostimulation can be very effective in reducing severe, chronic pain and, in many instances, can be a better and safer alternative to opiates.
This book covers the basic principles of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology related to neurostimulation for the management of chronic pain. The information is presented in a visual, easy to understand format and it is based on the author's experience with more than 9,000 neurostimulation devices implanted in the past 40 years.
A large portion of the manual is also dedicated to the various clinical approaches, with abundant material dedicated to the various surgical techniques and imaging visualization of the implanted devices.