EPIDURAL STIMULATION For Spinal Cord Injury

EPIDURAL STIMULATION

One of the treatment options at Better Being Hospital is the Epidural Stimulation. Epidural Stimulation or ES is most beneficial to persons with Spinal Cord Injuries with paralysis and holds great potential in regaining some abilities that have been affected by the injury.

How is Epidural Stimulation done?
The procedure is done by surgically implanting a device right over the spinal cord’s protective coating and is connected to the nerve systems. A small remote controls the frequency and intensity of the electrical current. This electrode sends electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions on targeted muscle groups. Due to the damage in spinal cord injuries, the brain is unable to transmit signals to and from the muscles. This stimulation helps to reactivate and use whatever remaining intact neural networks within the spinal cord to direct the movements. ES is best combined with intensive physiotherapy training and other therapies related to the patient’s condition and symptoms.

There may be some concerns of complications on the implantation of the device specially in long-term use. But the risks are significantly less than having to undergo repeated back surgery and may be more cost-effective than many chronic therapies for pain.
The expected benefits of ES are the following:

• Overall sense of improved quality of life
• Improvement in regulation of temperature
• Enhancement in sexual function
• Increase in bladder control
• Improvement in certain leg movements