Percutaneous spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: indications and patient selection

Percutaneous spinal cord stimulation has a clinical benefit in selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain related to failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Patients with other peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes may also respond favorably. The cause of the chronic pain must be established to rule out remediable causes. Drug abuse or aberrant drug-related behaviors should be assessed before proceeding. A psychological evaluation identifies patients who may not benefit. Risk factors for infection should be corrected where possible. This safe, reversible treatment should be considered early for patients with intractable peripheral neuropathic pain.