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Objectives.  To determine whether deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain of varied etiology. Material and Methods.  Thirty-four patients with intractable neuropathic pain were prospectively studied using visual analog scores, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Quality of Life Questionnaires (EUROQOL EQ-5D VAS, and SF-36 v-2). Patients had either deep brain stimulation of either the periventricular gray or ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus, or both. Results.  Seventy-six percent of patients underwent permanent implantation. Overall reduction of pain intensity was 54%. The burning component of pain improved by 77%. Health-related quality of life improved by 38%. Conclusions.  Deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain. The factors that influence outcome, including etiology and site of stimulation, are discussed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1525-1403.2006.00049.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Neuromodulation

Publication Date

04/2006

Volume

9

Pages

100 - 106