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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2000; 43(1): 44-50
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8413
ORIGINAL PAPER
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Augmentative Treatment of Chronic Deafferentation Pain Syndromes after Peripheral Nerve Lesions

H. Ebel, A. Balogh1 , M. Volz, N. Klug
  • Neurosurgical Department, University of Cologne, Germany
  • 1 Neurosurgical Department, University of Debrecen, Hungary
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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Deafferentation pain syndromes developing after peripheral nerve lesions are difficult to treat. According to the follow-up (mean: 39.5 months) of 6 patients suffering from causalgic pain we will present our method of augmentative therapy in chronic neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve lesions, i. e., peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and chronic intrathecal opioid infusion. None of the patients showed intraoperative or follow-up complications. Evaluated by visual analogue scales all patients reported a good to excellent pain relief (75 - 100 %). (1) Regarding the favourable long-term results of PNS, this method should be considered in cases of mono-neuropathic pain syndromes. (2) Neuropathic pain syndromes which are not assignable to a singular nerve lesion, can often be managed effectively by SCS. (3) In contrast to the widespread opinion, deafferentation pain syndromes of central or peripheral origin can be treated satisfactorly by intrathecal opiate administration.

Key words:

Peripheral nerve stimulation - Spinal cord stimulation - Intrathecal morphine - Peripheral nerve lesion - Deafferentation pain

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Corresponding Author

Dr. Heinrich Ebel

Neurochirurgische Klinik Universität zu Köln

Joseph-Smann-Straße 9

50924 Köln

Germany

Phone: + 49-2 21-4 78-45 57

Fax: + 49-2 21-4 78-59 21