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What Will Happen After the Procedure You will go home the evening after the trial leads have been implanted You must be collected by a responsible adult following the procedure You should not drive for during the trial of the spinal cord stimulator You will take antibiotics for 48 hours after the procedure a prescription will be given to you before you leave the hospital inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin You must keep your dressing dry for the week DO NOT shower or swim Sponge yourself during the trial stage Y our leads are covered with a dressing and this must remain dry and in place until you return the next week You are allowed to mobilise and move around gently DO NOT reach above your shoulder DO NOT twist your body DO NOT bend forward excessively lift a maximum weight of a bag of sugar 1kg You will visit your consultant a few days following the procedure for a review of how you are getting on with your programs Trial all your programs during the week to sample all the settings and assess the benefits The trial leads and dressing will be removed in the day unit The leads will be taken out in the procedure room You will not have an anaesthetic and can go home 30 minutes after the leads have been removed Please contact your doctor if you have any of the following If you experience a high temperature for a prolonged period If you experience any new numbness or loss of power to a new area of your body Any new change in sensations or severe pain in a new area SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR TRIAL LEAD INSERTION Notes PATIENT INFORMATION Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie THIS IS MODERN MEDICINE

SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR TRIAL LEAD INSERTION PATIENT INFORMATION What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial What Problems Should I Look Out For As you have discussed with your Pain Consultant Poor stimulation If you have lost stimulation you must call your doctor the stimulating device may need to be re programmed a small electrical wire will be placed into the epidural space of the spine The wire is connected to an external battery which causes electrical stimulation of this lead When it is switched on you should experience a pleasant sensation in the area where you normally feel pain What Should I Do Before the Procedure You need to fast no food or drink for 6 hours before the procedure Essential medications including your regular painkillers may be taken with a sip of water If you are diabetic please ask your doctor about fasting for a procedure You may need specific advice regarding your medications Tell your doctor if you are on any anticoagulants blood thinners such as aspirin warfarin or Xarelto as these may need to be stopped for a few days What Will Happen When I Come to Hospital An IV cannula will be placed in your hand or arm prior to the procedure You will receive some sedation in theatre through this before the procedure starts The doctor will inject some local anaesthetic at your back which makes your skin numb The doctor will then insert the electrical leads so the stimulation corresponds with the area you feel pain You will be awake enough to answer questions while your Consultant adjusts the leads this ensures they are in the correct place An Anaesthetic Consultant will monitor you at all times during the procedure while you receive sedation Are There Any Side Effects As with any procedure there is a small risk of side effects Your doctor will explain any specific risks associated with your procedure and ask you to sign a consent form If you do not understand anything explained to you please feel free to ask for further information A spinal cord stimulator trial is usually carried out as a day case procedure You will be admitted to the Day Unit and discharged on the same day The procedure may cause a small amount of bruising or bleeding in the area which settles in a few days The stimulation can cause an increased blood flow and warming of the affected limb The nurse doctor will ask you for details of your medical history You should also bring a list of your medications The procedure is carried out in the Theatre department You will be given a hospital gown to wear Depending on your position the amount of stimulation you feel may change If the current is too high or the lead is not in the correct position it might be painful You can turn the stimulator current down or off in such cases Infection You will have been given antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection If the skin around the wire becomes red sore or hot the wire may have to be removed The clear dressing remains in place until you are reviewed by the Pain Consultant Please observe the area daily for signs of redness ooze pus or swelling Please contact your Consultant if you have any concerns regarding your wound Spinal headaches A spinal headache can occur after this procedure This is characterised by a moderate to severe headache that becomes worse when upright and is eased by lying flat If you develop a spinal headache increasing your fluid intake lying flat Solpadeine and drinks containing caffeine e g coffee can help Headaches can last from days to weeks Contact your Pain Consultant for advice if you have a headache that persists for longer than 24 hours Pressure on spinal nerve A collection of blood or infection in the epidural space can cause pressure on nerve roots leading to numbness loss of power or difficulty emptying your bladder This is extremely rare If you experience any of these symptoms please contact your Consultant and go to the nearest emergency department