Predictors of Reduced Opioid Use With Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Opioid Use

ConclusionsWith only half of chronic opioid users demonstrating meaningful opioid reduction after SCS implantation, we demonstrate that current SCS technology does not reliably help a larger number of patients reduce opioid usage. Women, older age, and preoperative MED  <  65 are predictive of meaningful opioid reduction but only one of these is modifiable. As not all patients saw benefit from their therapies, there is still much room for improvement in the treatment of refractory chronic pain that is associated with failed back surgery syndrome and chronic regiona l pain syndrome.

Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface - October 9, 2019 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Mark C. Dougherty, Royce W. Woodroffe, Saul Wilson, George T. Gilles, Matthew A. Howard, Ryan M. Carnahan Tags: Clinical Research Source Type: research