Psychological variables predict decisions regarding implantation of a spinal cord stimulator

Objectives. To examine the psychological status of candidates for spinal cord stimulator implantation and elucidate possible personality variables that impact implantation decisions. Materials and Methods. This study surveyed 47 consecutively referred patients for possible implantation in an academic medical center outpatient pain clinic. Participants completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), McGill Pain Questionnaire, and a locus of control scale. MANOVA and discriminant analysis was utilized to examine personality variables and implantation decisions. Results. Individuals who ultimately declined implantation of the stimulator were psychologically different from those acceding to permanent implantation. Permanently implanted patients were more open to admitting psychological distress, less somatically preoccupied, and possibly more submissive than those who refused. Conclusions. The MMPI-2 was able to predict final implantation status. The results suggest that patient personality characteristics exercise a significant role in decisions regarding stimulator implantation.