Selection of Spinal Cord Stimulation Candidates for the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an option for patients suffering from chronic pain due to many disease states. Procedures for selecting appropriate patients are based on two distinct domains. The first domain is the disease state from which the patient suffers. We will examine the pathologies that are shown to respond to this type of intervention. We will also discuss conditions that may respond to new and exciting advances in neurostimulation therapies. The second domain determining selection of patients is patient characteristics or comorbidities that may affect the success of treatment, such as health status, coexisting diseases, risks, psychological status, drug abuse history, and compliance factors. This article provides an evidence-based analysis to assist physicians in determining which patients may be the most appropriate candidates for SCS. Conclusion. The importance of proper selection cannot be overstated. The selection of the appropriate patient has profound effects on the short-term and long-term success of the therapy.