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THE TRIAL SPINAL CORD STIMULATION

TRY IT FIRST

A screening and SCS trial may help you assess this treatment while performing your everyday activities

Afterwards, you and your doctor will decide if you should proceed with a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant.

Play Video This will play a video - Dr. Provenzano discusses pros and cons of the SCS trial screening.

DISCREET TRIALLING SYSTEM

The trialling system mimics the actual treatment without requiring you to have the neurostimulator implanted. Mild electrical pulses from the external neurostimulator (A) travel through the temporary leads (B) to the nerves along your spinal cord. The wireless programmer (C) lets you adjust the stimulation levels.

Medtronic Intellis spinal cord stimulation trialing system, including external neurostimulator, temporary leads, and wireless programmer

DURING THE TRIAL

The trial procedure usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes and is done in a day surgery center, or hospital.

  • Leads (thin, flexible wires) are placed in the area near the spine, using a special needle.
  • The leads are connected to an external wireless neurostimulator that’s secured to your back during the trial.

AT HOME WITH THE SYSTEM

The trial period can last up to 10 days. With your trialling system in place, live as normally as possible. The trial results may be immediate or they make take a few days.

AFTER THE TRIAL

  • At your post op appointment your physician will decide if you proceed with a neurostimulator implant.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPLANT

NEXT STEP: THE IMPLANT

Learn about the implant

POTENTIAL RISKS WITH THE TRIAL

Complications can occur during the trial, including bleeding into the epidural space, infection, and other side effects. You should not undergo a trial if you have an active infection at the time of the procedure.

Keep your doctor’s number handy, in case you have any questions.

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Every patient experience is unique. Not everyone who receives Medtronic neurostimulation therapy will experience the same results.