Kenneth M. Alo

Peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of occipital neuralgia and transformed migraine using a c1-2-3 subcutaneous paddle style electrode: a technical report.

In this article we will discuss the treatment of Occipital Neuralgia (ON) and Transformed Migraine (TM) using a paddle style surgical stimulator lead. A paddle style electrode may have advantages to the cylindrical style in reducing migrations from cervical tension or anchor dislodgement. It should be considered in refractory “neuropathic” cervicocranial syndromes such as ON and TM before moving on to more aggressive surgical interventions.

Computer Assisted and Patient Interactive Programming of Dual Octrode Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation using multiple independent programmable electrode selections compared to simple continuous stimulation.

Lumbar and Sacral Nerve Root Stimulation (NRS) in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Novel Anatomic Approach and Neuro Stimulation Technique

Objective. The conventional technique used to stimulate the lumbar dermatomes is by stimulation of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. Until recently, stimulation of nerve roots had not been successfully accomplished. We had performed selective nerve root cannulations for the placement of temporary catheters at cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral levels in chronic pain patients using a caudad rather than craniad approach. We hypothesized that by stimulating the nerve roots we could improve paresthesia coverage in areas which cannot be covered effectively by spinal cord stimulation (SCS). To test this hypothesis, we have performed trials of nerve root stimulation (NRS) in patients who had failed SCS, or who were not candidates for SCS because their pain was otherwise inaccessible to stimulation.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I [RSD]: a Retrospective Multicenter Experience from 1995 to 1998 of 101 Patients.

Objective. To evaluate effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) applied to complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I). To analyze trends to focus the design of a multicenter prospective study.

Four Year Follow‐up of Dual Electrode Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

This paper reports on 80 patients using dual electrode, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) over a four‐year period

Effects of posture on stimulation parameters in spinal cord stimulation.

Objective. To examine the importance of posture on the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in a population of chronic pain patients previously implanted with a spinal cord stimulator.

Sacral nerve root stimulation for the treatment of urge incontinence and detrusor dysfunction utilizing a cephalocaudal intraspinal method of lead insertion: A case report

Sacral nerve root stimulation (SNRS) is known to be effective in the treatment of pelvic motor dysfunction( 1–4 ). Bladder and urethral motor disorders commonly treated include urinary urge incontinence, voiding/detrusor dysfunction, and urgency/frequency syndromes. To date, neurostimulation specific to bladder and urethral dysfunction has applied a unilateral, trans‐sacral approach. (Interstim, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) Despite some success, this method has been associated with technical failures in maintaining electrode position( 5,6 ). As an alternative, this case report describes the selective epidural application of a cephalocaudal (“retrograde”) lead insertion method in a patient with severe detrusor dysfunction and urinary urge incontinence( 7 ).

Selective Nerve Root Stimulation (SNRS) for the Treatment of Intractable Pelvic Pain and Motor Dysfunction: A Case Report

Interstitial cystitis is the most disabling nonmalignant disorder seen by urologists. Chronic debilitating urinary bladder symptoms (severe pain and pelvic floor muscular dysfunction) often progress despite maximal medical attempts at management. Although the exact cause remains unknown, a neuropathic etiology has recently been suggested( 1,2 ). This case report describes the use of Selective Nerve Root Stimulation (SNRS) for the treatment of intractable pelvic pain and motor dysfunction in a patient with Interstitial cystitis (IC).

Multiple Program Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Follow‐Up of Multiple Program SCS

Objective. Follow‐up of 80 patients using multiple program spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

Awake vs. asleep placement of spinal cord stimulators: A cohort analysis of complications associated with placement - Commentary

Introduction:  Patients will typically undergo awake surgery for permanent implantation of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in an attempt to optimize electrode placement using patient feedback about the distribution of stimulation‐induced paresthesia. The present study compared efficacy of first‐time electrode placement under awake conditions with that of neurophysiologically guided placement under general anesthesia.