Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractary Neuropathic Pain and Its Action on the Neurovegetative Systems

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) has been used for chronic refractory pain, however its effectivity on neurovegetative systems has not been evaluated to data. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of SCS in patients suffering from refractory neuropathic pain, related to analgesia, quality of life and neurovegetative actions on the digestive and urinary tracts. Fifteen patients acted as their own control related to all evaluations. P < 0.05 was considered significantly. RESULTS: 13 patients completed the study. The incidence of indication was 6% in our Center for Pain Treatment in the Teaching Hospital. The SCS improved quality of life, bowel transit and urinary function, as improved overall analgesia and decreased daily rescue analgesic (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with literature, the incidence of complications was 20%, and SCS improved analgesia and quality of life. In addition, patients also referred to improved bowel activity and urinary function.