Spinal cord stimulation procedure helps with pain management

Tomi Prvulovic, M.D., chief of anesthesia/pain management at St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, and a pain management specialist, recently performs a spinal cord stimulation procedure, available for appropriate candidates at the hospital. The procedure involves implanting a small device that would stimulate the spinal cord and, in other instances, peripheral nerves by tiny electrical impulses. A flexible insulated wire, powered by an implanted battery or by a receiver, is placed near the spinal cord. This lead and an implanted neurostimulator send electrical impulses that block the pain messages to the brain. If the patient no longer desires neurostimulation, the surgery is reversible. The patient must first have a successful trial or test stimulation without actually implanting the device. During an evaluation period of several days at home, the patient can test the system by adjusting the temporary external neurostimulator to meet his or her pain management needs. For additional information, call Prvulovic at 294-2006 or 986-2224; or Dilip Subhedar, M.D. a pain management, anesthesiology and acupuncture specialist, at 357-5745. (Photo provided)