Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

You will need several exams prior to moving forward with a DRG, including a cognitive evaluation, a thoracic spine MRI, and lab work. Once the trial is ordered, you will be scheduled for a preoperative appointment in 45 days and the trial in 60 days. At the pre op appointment, your physician will review the cognitive evaluation and MRI’s, give you an order for the labs, and send preoperative medications. You will begin a nasal antibiotic ointment five days before your trial. 

The night before the trial, you will start an oral antibiotic that you will take until the end of the trial. You will also need to cleanse the area with Hibiclens soap the evening before and morning of the trial.

The DRG trial typically takes around 30 minutes and is done in the office. First, your physician will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, using a small needle, they will advance a lead to the place in the spine where the pain is originating. Once the lead is in place, a small battery pack will be connected. Your physician will turn the device on to ensure it is covering the area where there is pain. You should feel a buzzing sensation where you usually feel pain. Once you and the physician agree the coverage area is successful, an external battery pack will be adhered to you using a waterproof film and tape.

Once the trial device is set, you will go to the recovery room where you will meet with a medical professional to program the device. You will not be allowed to shower or submerge the device in water throughout the duration of the trial. After the trial (3-5 days), you will return to the office to have the lead removed and schedule a permanent implant if the trial was successful.