Spinal Cord Stimulation

SCS (aka dorsal column stimulation) can be applied via surgical or percutaneous implantation of stimulating electrodes. Stimulation can be in tonic low-frequency (generally 50–100 Hz), high-frequency (up to 10 kHz; pulsed, 500 kHz; [1]), or burst (paresthesia-free) mode. A definitive pacemaker is applied after a suitable test period, in the abdomen or upper gluteus. SCS is a generally safe technique, but, despite perfect hemostasis and no preoperative risk factors, an epidural hematoma can be induced (2.6% with laminectomy implantation, 0.84% with percutaneous leads) necessitating urgent removal [2].