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Neuromodulation in patients deployed to war zones
Anthony Dragovich1, Thomas Weber, Daniel Wenzell
1Department of Surgery, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, USA. dragov3@mac.com
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|June 19, 2009
Summary
Spinal cord stimulation allows military personnel to deploy successfully after treatment. This innovative approach offers a viable alternative for soldiers needing pain management while remaining on active duty.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Military Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Military personnel often face challenges with pain management that can impact deployability.
- Traditional treatments like nerve blocks and pharmacotherapy have limitations in forward-deployed settings.
Observation:
- Six military personnel (four active duty, two retired) received spinal or peripheral nerve stimulators.
- All participants were able to deploy following the implantation of these devices.
Findings:
- Five patients experienced successful deployments without any incidents.
- One patient completed four deployments but required revisions due to mechanical complications.
Implications:
- Spinal cord stimulation presents a promising, minimally invasive option for active-duty soldiers requiring pain management.
- This technology can enhance the deployability and operational readiness of military personnel facing chronic pain conditions.
