nerve implant

Posted By  CCF Neurosurgery MD on February 09, 1998 at 11:42:26:

In Reply to: nerve implant posted by ladorna on February 09, 1998 at 03:20:22:

: has anyone ever had an electrical nerve implant?  it
  is supposed to be implanted in the lower back to block
  the pain signals to the legs.  does anyone know how
  successful such treatments are?
  any help would be greatly appreciated.
  best,
  ladorna

[CCF Neurosurgery MD]

Dear Ladorna:
I think that what you are referring to is a dorsal column stimulator.
This device is a pair of electrodes that are placed over the spinal cord
and connected to a battery pack. This device generates electrical impulses
that stimulate the back part of the spinal cord and as such block the
pain signals coming from the lower extremities. There are a few indications
for the use of this device but it is most frequently used for treatment of
reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
If you have any further questions please write back. I hope this information
will help.
Good Luck!