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Deep brain stimulation for neuropathic pain
Sarah L F Owen1, Alexander L Green, Dipankar Nandi
1University Department of Physiology, University of Oxford, UK Department of Neurosurgery, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
Objectives. To determine whether deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain of varied etiology. Material and Methods. Thirty-four patients with intractable neuropathic pain were prospectively studied using visual analog scores, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Quality of Life Questionnaires (EUROQOL EQ-5D VAS, and SF-36 v-2). Patients had either deep brain stimulation of either the periventricular gray or ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus, or both. Results. Seventy-six percent of patients underwent permanent implantation. Overall reduction of pain intensity was 54%. The burning component of pain improved by 77%. Health-related quality of life improved by 38%. Conclusions. Deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain. The factors that influence outcome, including etiology and site of stimulation, are discussed.
