Current experience of spinal neuromodulation in chronic pain: Is there a role in children and young people?

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain in children has been an under-recognized problem compared to adult pain. The aim of management is to help children and their families cope with the symptoms rather than a cure. Current medical treatments to reduce pain intensity are often short lived, poorly tolerated or ineffective.

Results: The use of electrical stimulation to treat pain is the current basis of modern Neuromodulation at the spinal cord and has been well established as spinal cord stimulation in adult practice. This involves placement of an epidural electrode connected to a subcutaneous implanted pulse generator. The electrode generates an electrical field at the dorsal columns of the spinal cord that inhibits pain pathways. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy in neuropathic pain states such as the failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.

Conclusion: Despite its initial expense, Spinal cord stimulation is a cost effective therapy in the long term and has the advantages of being a minimally invasive therapy and reversible.

Keywords: Neuromodulation; Pain; Spine; Stimulation.