Neurológia pre prax Brožúra Liečba chronickej bolesti/2011

Neuromodulation techniques in pain management with emphasis on neurostimulation

Neuromodulation techniques represent, in the narrow sense, clearly defined methods in pain management. These techniques provide a non-destructive and reversible approach for the therapy of intractable, otherwise immedicable pain. Patients with chronic intractable pain experience severe pain, disability, reduced functionality and quality of life. Neuromodulation analgesic methods have become a well-established treatment of severe pain. Patients who suffer from intractable pain in many cases tend to have not only health difficulties but greater psychological distress, depression and disability. After implantation of neuromodulation techniques or radiofrequency, patients exhibit better pain relief, lower use of pain killers, particularly of strong opioids, and clear improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. Medical and psychological assessment of patients before an invasive procedure must never be ignored because it is essential for successful selection of patients for neuromodulation treatment. Neuromodulation analgesic methods in highly qualified neuromodulation centers seem to be a very suitable and effective treatment modality in patients with intractable pain.

Keywords: neuromodulation, spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency techniques, intrathecal pump systems, selection of patients.