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Psychological screening/phenotyping as predictors for spinal cord stimulation
Claudia M Campbell1, Robert N Jamison, Robert R Edwards
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. ccampb41@jhmi.edu
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain management option for various conditions. Patient selection is key, as psychological factors and quantitative sensory testing can predict SCS treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment for refractory pain conditions.
- Indications include neuropathic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Patient selection is critical due to variable outcomes and potential risks associated with SCS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on factors influencing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) outcomes.
- To explore the role of psychological characteristics and quantitative sensory testing (QST) in predicting SCS effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Overview of recent research examining patient factors related to SCS.
- Inclusion of studies investigating psychological assessments and QST for patient stratification.
Main Results:
- Psychological characteristics significantly influence pain perception and treatment response.
- Quantitative sensory testing (QST) may help identify patients likely to benefit from SCS.
- Individual patient factors are crucial for optimizing SCS therapy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Focused patient selection is essential for successful spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy.
- Psychological assessment and QST are valuable tools for predicting SCS efficacy.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying SCS response variability.
