Clinical results reported at the 2017 North American Neuromodulation Society meeting show that peripheral nerve stimulation can help stroke patients. And that peripheral nerve stimulation provides meaningful relief for people suffering from post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP). Post stroke shoulder pain is experienced by anywhere between 30 and 70 percent of stroke sufferers.
Dr. Porter McRoberts is a trained Physiatrist and Interventional Spine and Pain Management Specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He shared data indicating that peripheral nerve stimulation is a promising treatment for post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP) patients. When compared to the alternative options for pain management, it proved helpful.
“Post-stroke shoulder pain is a condition that occurs in approximately 30 to 70 percent of stroke patients. This condition contributes to a loss of upper limb use and results in an inability to perform basic daily tasks such as getting dressed or tooth brushing,” said Dr. McRoberts. “While treatments such as oral medication and injections can have a short term impact on managing pain, neuromodulation devices, such as the StimRouter, are designed to target pain at the point of origin and provide relief in a minimally invasive manner with long term effect.”
In a poster presentation, Dr. McRoberts shared data from seven patients that were implanted with the StimRouter in an effort to manage their post-stroke shoulder pain. Using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) patients measured pain both before the procedure and up to four months after implant. The recipients received care across four different U.S. hospitals in New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Post Stroke Pain
Dr. McRoberts and his colleagues presented the following:
PSSP patients implanted with the StimRouter Peripheral Nerve Stimulator experienced an average of 70% reduction in their chronic pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is a promising treatment for PSSP, especially in light of the alternatives for pain management.
The results also show peripheral nerve stimulation targeting the axillary nerve is a promising treatment for post-stroke shoulder pain patients. Implantable peripheral neuromodulation therapies can be a safe and effective pain management tool. As well as an adjunct to other therapies like Physical / Occupational therapy to help improve mobility and quality of life.
“The StimRouter has already shown promising results in treating chronic peripheral nerve pain. And we are honored to now be sharing its potential for relieving the pain many post-stroke shoulder patients encounter,” said Todd Cushman, President and CEO at Bioness. “Our goal at Bioness is to help patients return to their pre-stroke lives. By reducing pain and getting them back into rehabilitation therapy by a Physical/Occupational Therapist. This data is another step forward showing that it is possible for post-stroke patients to regain control of their lives.”
By: National Pain Report Staff
01/21/2017
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