Invasive procedures
Neuromodulation encompasses a series of treatments that act on the nervous system to modify its functioning. In the case of neuromodulation in pain, the objective is to intervene in some parts of the pain circuit to try to reduce it.
Invasive neuromodulation involves surgery, which can be performed at the brain or spinal cord level. During surgery, electrodes are placed that modulate the information the nervous system receives about the pain it perceives.
Spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation, also called neurostimulation of the posterior spinal cords, involves the surgical insertion of one or more electrodes into the epidural space or peripheral nerves. Its purpose is to send electrical signals to block painful impulses in the spinal cord, thus relieving people suffering from chronic pain.
Stimulation of the sacral roots
Sacral root stimulation is a form of invasive neuromodulation that involves placing electrodes near the sacral nerves. These electrodes emit electrical pulses that alter nerve activity, offering relief from pelvic neuropathic pain. It is a specialized and effective technique that can significantly improve the quality of life of those who suffer from these conditions.
Occipital nerve stimulation
Occipital nerve stimulation is a form of invasive neuromodulation that involves placing electrodes over the occipital nerve. These electrodes emit electrical pulses that interfere with pain signals traveling along the nerve, relieving chronic headaches, migraines, and other types of craniofacial neuropathic pain. It is a specialized technique that can significantly improve the quality of life of those who suffer from these disorders.
Motor cortical stimulation
Motor cortical stimulation is a form of invasive neuromodulation that involves placing electrodes directly over the motor cortex. These electrodes emit electrical pulses that modulate the neuronal activity of patients with refractory neuropathic pain.
Deep brain stimulation
Deep brain stimulation is a form of invasive neuromodulation for patients with severe neuropathic pain and cluster headaches who are refractory to any other type of surgery. In this procedure, electrodes are implanted in specific deep areas of the brain, modulating neural activity that links pain. It is the most specific therapy, intended only for some patients and performed in very few centers.
Intrathecal pump infusion of ziconotide and morphine
Intrathecal pump infusion of ziconotide and morphine is a form of invasive neuromodulation used in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. In this procedure, a pump is implanted that delivers medications directly into the intrathecal space of the spinal cord, where they act on pain receptors to provide relief. Drugs administered by this route are more effective and have fewer side effects than those offered orally.