Dorsal root ganglion stimulation device

A technique that eliminates analgesics for chronic pain

The technology is approved by the US Drug Administration for treating burning and nerve pain in the lower part of the body.

D.A.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi unveiled a new technology to treat chronic pain in the lower part of the body, including pain in the feet, knee and hip.

The technique - called dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG) - has received FDA approval to treat burning and neuralgia in the lower part of the body.

The treatment, by stimulating the dorsal root ganglia, involves implanting a new device that delivers electrical signals to the dense group of sensory nerves at the posterior root of the spinal nerve, known as the dorsal root ganglion, and transmits commands to the brain through the spinal cord, allowing targeted pain control.

This treatment is recommended for patients who have not had other conventional treatments, such as medications, nerve anesthesia, physical therapy, and conventional spinal cord stimulation, the desired results in terms of pain relief and improvement in quality of life, after a full analysis of the patient's history and current health status by the multidisciplinary pain management team in the hospital.

For his part, Head of Pain Management at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Anesthesia Institute, Dr. Reda Tolba, who was trained to use this technique in the United States, said that many patients undergo surgery to repair herniated discs, foot injuries or knee joint replacement. , They end up suffering from neuralgia, which greatly affects their quality of life, and their ability to perform the simplest tasks and daily activities.

He added that this advanced treatment benefits patients who suffer from neuralgia caused by local pain syndrome, a condition that causes severe pain in the extremities and other parts of the body.

Students pointed out that the patient’s condition improves due to the focused stimulation: “It is true that the injection of nerve anesthesia and stimulation of the spinal cord can relieve the pain somewhat, but they are not at a sufficient level of accuracy, and their effect is not long-lasting.”

Dr. Tolba said: “We work with the patient to program the device using a wireless control device. We also monitor his condition regularly to ensure the healing of the wound and pain levels after surgery, and we rely on the patient’s opinion regarding the ease with which he can practice his daily activities. Pain to measure the degree of chronic pain, and the goal is to reduce pain or dispense with the use of analgesic drugs.

One day surgery

Before the permanent implantation of the device, which is performed as a one-day surgery, the patient goes through a trial phase for a week in which the device is used outside the body to assess its effectiveness in relieving pain. If it is found to be effective, doctors implant special electrodes in the target areas in the spinal cord to connect them with electrical wires to a battery The battery sends electricity to the electrodes that surround the sensory neurons and passes the electrical impulses that distract the brain from perceiving pain.

Student satisfaction:

"Advanced therapy benefits patients who suffer neuralgia due to localized pain syndrome."

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