What Is Epidural Nerve Stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation)?

Chronic pain is one of the major health problems that negatively affects the quality of life of millions of people. Medication treatments, physical therapy applications, injection methods, and surgical interventions may not provide the same success in every patient. Especially in pain that has continued for many years, seriously reduces quality of life, and does not respond to other treatments, advanced neuromodulation methods come to the forefront. One of these methods is Epidural Nerve Stimulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation treatment.

Epidural Nerve Stimulation (ENS) is a modern treatment method that aims to reduce pain signals reaching the brain by sending low-level electrical impulses through thin electrodes placed in the epidural space of the spinal cord. Today, it is widely used worldwide in the treatment of chronic pain and improves the quality of life of many patients.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, one of the experienced brain and nerve surgery specialists in chronic pain treatment, performs Epidural Nerve Stimulation applications in accordance with scientific criteria through appropriate patient selection and personalized treatment planning.

What Is Epidural Nerve Stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation)?

Epidural Nerve Stimulation is an advanced neuromodulation treatment that enables controlled electrical impulses to be delivered to nerve pathways through electrodes placed in the epidural space around the spinal cord.

The aim of this system is to control the pain felt by the patient by reducing the pain signals reaching the brain. The battery system used during treatment is placed under the skin and is designed to be programmable externally.

While in the past patients benefited only from systems that produced a tingling sensation, today, newly developed next-generation spinal cord stimulators offer more comfortable and personalized treatment options.

How Does Epidural Nerve Stimulation Work?

Nerve fibers running along the spinal cord carry pain signals to the brain. The Epidural Nerve Stimulation system aims to modify pain transmission by sending low-voltage electrical currents to these nerve pathways.

Thanks to this mechanism, patients may feel less pain and may be able to continue their daily activities more comfortably.

The treatment is completely programmable. Electrical impulses are adjusted with the help of a computer according to the patient's area of pain.

In treatment planning, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı evaluates the patient's pain map in detail and performs personalized device programming.

Who Is Epidural Nerve Stimulation Applied To?

Spinal cord stimulation is not suitable for every chronic pain patient. First, a detailed neurological evaluation should be performed.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

It is one of the most successful treatment options for patients whose pain continues after herniated disc surgery.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

It may be applied in lower back pain that has continued for a long time and does not respond to other treatments.

Leg Pain

It may be preferred for chronic leg pain caused by nerve compression.

Neck-Related Nerve Pain

Effective results may be obtained in some selected patients.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

It is an important treatment option for this condition characterized by severe burning pain.

Diabetic Neuropathy

It may be applied to suitable patients with nerve pain caused by diabetes.

Peripheral Nerve Injuries

It may be considered for chronic pain that develops after trauma.

The patient's suitability is determined after a detailed examination, imaging methods, and previous treatment processes are evaluated.

How Is Epidural Nerve Stimulation Applied?

The treatment is generally performed in two stages.

Trial Period

• In the first stage, thin electrodes are placed in the epidural space.
• These electrodes are connected to a temporary battery system.
• The patient uses the system for approximately several days.
• If a significant reduction in pain is achieved, a permanent battery is implanted.

Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator

• When the trial is successful, the battery device is placed under the skin.
• The battery is usually placed in the hip or abdominal area.
• The electrodes are fixed around the spinal cord.
• Then, computer-assisted programming is performed, and the device is adjusted according to the patient's needs.

During this process, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı aims to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment through personalized programming.

Advantages of Epidural Nerve Stimulation

This treatment has many important advantages.

• May Help Reduce Pain
• May Reduce Medication Use
• May Improve Daily Quality of Life
• It Is a Reversible Treatment
• It Can Be Programmed Individually

Recovery Process After Epidural Nerve Stimulation

• After the procedure, patients can generally stand up within a short period of time.
• Heavy lifting should be avoided during the first few weeks.
• Sudden lower back movements should be limited.
• Doctor follow-ups should be performed regularly.
• Battery settings can be reprogrammed when necessary.
• Most patients can return to their daily lives in a controlled manner within a few weeks.

What Are the Risks of Epidural Nerve Stimulation?

As with every surgical procedure, this method also carries some risks.

Infection: Although rare, it may occur.

Electrode Displacement: In some patients, the electrodes may need to be repositioned.

Discomfort in the Battery Area: Mild pain or tenderness may occur during the first few days.

Technical Problems: In rare cases, the device may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.

These risks can be significantly reduced through an experienced surgical team and regular follow-up.

Is the Spinal Cord Stimulator Permanent?

• The spinal cord stimulator is designed to be used for many years.
• Rechargeable models offer a longer lifespan, while non-rechargeable models can be replaced after a certain period.
• Device performance is regularly evaluated during follow-ups.
• Software updates and programming changes can be made when necessary.

Therefore, the regular follow-up process planned by Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı plays an important role in the success of the treatment.

What Is the Success Rate of Epidural Nerve Stimulation?

• The success rate varies depending on the patient's diagnosis, the cause of the pain, the duration of the condition, and appropriate patient selection.

• Especially in patients who achieve successful results during the trial stimulation period, a high level of benefit may be obtained from permanent spinal cord stimulation treatment.

• The aim of the treatment is not to completely eliminate pain, but to significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.

• Therefore, appropriate patient selection and procedures performed by an experienced team are of great importance.

Epidural Nerve Stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation) is one of the most advanced neuromodulation methods currently used in the treatment of chronic pain. In patients who do not obtain sufficient benefit from medication treatments and other conservative methods, when applied with the correct indication, it can make a significant contribution to pain control. The success of the treatment is closely related to appropriate patient selection, detailed evaluation, appropriate device selection, and regular follow-up.

For patients whose quality of life has decreased due to chronic pain, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı performs Epidural Nerve Stimulation applications with a scientific approach through comprehensive examination, advanced imaging methods, and personalized treatment planning. In suitable patients, this method may contribute to reducing pain, facilitating daily activities, and improving quality of life.