However, because the cerebrospinal fluid near the DRG is relatively thin, the incidence of paresthesia is substantially less. The reason why paresthesia is prevalent following SCS comes down to the combined effects of gravity and the highly conductive properties of cerebrospinal fluid. Whilst some newer models of SCS are able to deliver pain relief without paresthesia, those receiving DRG Stimulators are less likely to experience this effect in any event. Side effects of SCSĪ major side-effect of SCS is paresthesia, which often manifests as tingling, burning, or prickling sensations, particularly when changing body position. One third reported pain relief of 80% or more. In one clinical trial in the US which mostly involved people suffering CRPS, it was found that at one year following implantation of a DRG Stimulator, 74% of participants reported greater than 50% pain relief. This includes areas where traditional SCS has struggled, such as the lower leg and foot. Conversely, the DRG is very accessible and this means that when implanting a DRG Stimulator, smaller leads can be placed much closer to the target nerves allowing the system to better focus the stimulation on the areas where pain is felt. In the more traditional SCS, leads are placed in the epidural space behind the spinal cord, further from the nerves. The Dorsal Root Ganglion is a branch nerve of the spinal cord and, just like a traffic light, it can regulate pain signals before they enter the spinal cord and travel to the brain. What is Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation? In an earlier article we considered Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation and how it was gaining momentum as an alternative to Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in the long term management of chronic pain.
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