Positive Treatment Results for Diabetes Sufferers

Positive Treatment Results for Diabetes Sufferers

According to the American Diabetes Association (June 10, 2014), 29.1 million Americans, 9.3% of the population, had diabetes in 2012. Of those 29.1 million, 8.1 million Americans went undiagnosed. The number of diabetics had risen from 25.8 million in 2010, which was a 13% increase. Out of the millions of diabetics in American, many suffer from painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). To date, not many medical treatments are successful in aiding with pain relief, or the treatment options may be accompanied with unbearable side effects. Times are changing and treatment is on the up and up. One treatment in particular has recently made headway after other methods have failed and has shown substantial improvement in pain relief – Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS).

A recent study published by the American Diabetes Association showed positive results for pain relief when treated with spinal cord stimulation. The study involved 36 patients suffering from painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Of those 36 patients, 22 patients were treated with SCS and best medical treatment, while the remaining 14 were treated solely with the best medical treatment. Over a six month period, the results were quite significant concluding that 59% of patients were treated successfully with spinal cord stimulation. Below is a chart comparing the success rates of the two treatment groups.

SCSimage
At first, a temporary trial SCS is performed and left in place for 3-5 days to determine if the patient experiences results from treatment. After the trial, the patient decides if they would like to continue with a permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator. Spinal Cord Stimulation is a procedure involving a device that is implanted in the epidural space sending mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord which are intended to block the pain signals to the brain. The device is battery operated and can last as long as eight years. The patient has control of the generator (similar to a remote) and can adjust the intensity of the impulses, as well as turn the device on and off as needed.

If you or someone you know is suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you are not alone. There is treatment out there, and Illinois Pain Institute may be able to assist you to becoming pain free. Give us a call today to learn more about treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and Spinal Cord Stimulation.