SCS in medical terms most commonly refers to a spinal cord stimulator, which is an implanted medical device used to relieve pain.
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
A spinal cord stimulator is a device implanted in the body designed to alleviate chronic pain. It works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which interferes with pain signals being sent to the brain.
How SCS Works:
- Mechanism: The device emits low-level electrical currents directly into the spinal cord.
- Pain Relief: These electrical signals modulate or block pain signals, reducing the perception of pain.
- Components: An SCS system typically includes a pulse generator (implantable battery pack) and leads (thin wires with electrodes) that are placed near the spinal cord.
Conditions Treated by SCS:
SCS is used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Failed back surgery syndrome.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Spinal cord injuries.
SCS Procedure:
- Trial Period: Before permanent implantation, patients undergo a trial period (usually 5-7 days) with a temporary SCS system to assess pain relief.
- Implantation: If the trial is successful, the pulse generator is implanted under the skin (usually in the abdomen or buttock), and the leads are placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord.
- Programming: After implantation, the device is programmed by a healthcare provider to optimize pain relief.
Benefits of SCS:
- Reduced pain medication usage.
- Improved quality of life.
- Increased functional capacity.
Risks and Considerations:
- Infection.
- Lead migration.
- Device malfunction.
- Pain at the implantation site.
