SENS/TENS...would you like me to explain?

Question

For those who answered my question yesterday:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApisVll72Nyp31b7J4d_SoogBgx.?qid=20070313170916AAPqyfI

I'm sorry if I did not explain properly. SENS does indeed exist, but this is perhaps the term more known by people who have actually had the procedure done. It is also known as neuromodulation. These articles may help explain more:

http://www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=10405
http://www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=10435

Answer 1

Actually, this sounds quite a lot like a spinal cord stimulator. I believe there are also peripheral nerve stimulators. I know I've heard of other forms of neuromodulation, like deep brain stimulation that is sometimes used for tremors, and vagal nerve stimulation which can be used to treat seizures.

I had a spinal cord stimulator once upon a time, for reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD or CRPS, as it is now sometimes called). I'm not sure if this is exactly like what you're describing, but it is most likely similar.

First, I had a trial SCS put in, for about two weeks. I had electrodes in my back (on my spine), but the control was external. Having it put in is a bit weird. Basically, you have to be awake for part of the procedure, so you can tell them where you feel the stimulation. It's important to get the best coverage possible, or it won't help the pain enough. I found it a little frightening and uncomfortable, but the doctors and medtronics representative talked me through it.

I barely remember when I had the full SCS implanted. That involves two things: the leads and the battery. Today, there are rechargable SCS batteries, but 6 or 7 years ago (when mine was done), they had to be replaced every two or three years. The electrodes were put in my back, the wires were tunneled around my sides, and the battery was put under the skin on the right side of my abdomen.

I had a little controller that looked quite a lot like a mouse for a computer. It allowed me to turn the stimulator on and off, and also turn the strength of the stimulator up and down within a certain range. In the doctor's office, they had a much more sophisticated system that allowed them to change things about the stimulator (including the range of how high or low I could make it go).

I remember that for a while after the surgery, I wasn't allowed to bend very much or do certain things that could make the leads move. The stimulator helped my pain quite a bit at first, but I found that it helped less as time went on. I eventually had it removed, which was a pretty simple procedure, as surgeries go.

I have many friends who still have stimulators, and who get wonderful pain relief from them. A few are almost pain-free thanks to their stimulators.

I hope my experience includes some of the information you're looking for!

Answer 2

I have had something similar. I have regular injections in my spine and hips. The last time the pain management clinic injected my spine the doctor passed an electric current through, its supposed to deaden the nerves or something.
It was not too uncomfortable but I have not felt any extra benefit from the procedure.
I hope it helps your mum.

Answer 3

I'll take your word for it - you learn something new every day!