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Published on: January 10, 2013
Efficacy of Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation with Neuromodulating Medications: A Systematic Review
Weston Case Nadherny1, Kenneth Fiala1, Ivan Urits1
1Nadherny, MD, MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, Department of PM&R, Cleveland, OH, USA. Fiala, BS, Abd-Elsayed, MD, MPH, FASA, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Madison, WI. Urits, MD, Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Viswanath, MD, Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA; Valley Pain Consultants - Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Department of Anesthesiology, Phoenix, AZ; Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE.
Background:
Chronic pain is a prevalent and debilitating problem for millions of people and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one option for treatment. It has been shown to have membrane stabilizing properties and is often used in conjunction with medications that are also believed to offer pain control through membrane stabilization.
Objective:
The goal of this review is to analyze the effects of SCS combined with medications to evaluate for augmentative therapeutic effect.
Setting:
Systematic review.
Methods:
A systematic computerized search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for articles published in English.
Results:
We report three articles that discuss the potential for augmentative effects of medication in combination with SCS. Located articles related primarily to SCS combined with Gabapentin, TCA, or SNRI.
Limitations:
The limited number of articles reflects a need for more investigation in this area.
Conclusion:
Based on the suspected mechanisms for SCS and neuromodulating medications, there is reason to believe adding these medical therapies may enhance the effects of SCS.
