Spinal cord stimulation for multiple sclerosis and incomplete spinal cord injury

Since 1973, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been reported to modulate abnormal motor functions such as spasticity, weakness, ataxia, athetosis, neurogenic bladder, dysarthria, dystonia and torticollis. As reported in 39 papers, improved neurological functions did occur in 45 to 64% of 1,008 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral palsy and other dystonic and hyperkinetc disorders. In the last 10 years, trials of stimulation, equipment and techniques have improved, particularly in electrode design, positioning and numbers (#4-8-16 buttons). It is recommended that moderately affected MS and incomplete SCI patients undergo SCS trial. If there were a 50+% functional improvement, permanent implantation should be considered as a rehabilitation aid to improve their independence and quality of life.