High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

A new, non-pharmaceutical treatment option called high frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has become a viable option for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a clinically proven and FDA cleared treatment method to provide substantial pain relief for patients with DPN.^1,2,3

SCS works inside your body to block pain signals to your brain. Using imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist places several leads epidurally along the spine. These leads connect to an external device which delivers electronic pulses to sections of the spinal cord. These pulses disrupt the pain signals sent by the spinal cord to the brain, providing pain relief.

High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Eligible patients for SCS will first undergo temporary trial stimulation.

This allows patients to “test drive” SCS treatment to be sure that it works for them before receiving a permanent implant. During the trial period, patients who achieve at least a 50% reduction in pain are eligible for permanent device implantation. For patients who do not achieve pain relief with SCS, the temporary device implantation is fully reversable.

In addition to pain relief, many patients undergoing SCS achieve improvements in neurologic function, better sensation in the limbs and a reduction in the need for pain medication. Patients receiving SCS treatment also reported significant pain relief at night, reducing sleep deprivation which can impact mental health.

Permanent device implantation

Patients who experience 50% or greater pain relief during the trial are eligible for permanent device implantation. Approximately 80% of those who have had the permanent SCS device implanted will experience significant pain relief, improved function and better sleep.⁴

Risks associated with device implantation are rare, and can include infection, pain at the implant site and movement of the leads over time.

A consultation with our doctors can help you know if High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an option for you.

If you have DPN and would like to know more about SCS, we invite you to consult with our doctors who can provide more information and answer any questions you may have.

To schedule a consultation, please call NG Vascular at our Indiana office at (219) 208-6218 or our Illinois office at (708) 888-1167.

Sills S. Treatment of painful polyneuropathies of diabetic and other origins with 10 kHz SCS: a case series. Postgrad Med. 2020;132(4):352-357. doi:10.1080/00325481.2020.1732065
Galan V, Scowcroft J, Chang P, et al. 10-kHz Spinal cord stimulation treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy: results from post-hoc analysis of the SENZA-PPN study. Pain Manag. 2020;10(5):291-300. doi:10.2217/pmt-2020-0033
De Carolis G, Paroli M, Tollapi L, et al. Paresthesia-independence: an assessment of technical factors related to 10 kHz paresthesia-free spinal cord stimulation. Pain Physician. 2017;20(4):331-341.
Jeffrey L. Chen, MD et al. A Real-World Analysis of High-Frequency 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology Volume 16, Issue 2 November 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968211060316