4 replies to this topic

[Hypermere]

I'm visiting my grandmother on the east coast. For years she has been seeking specialists to treat leg pains that she says spring from a botched back surgery years ago. It's currently being diagnosed as neuropathy and she doesn't take the painkillers since they knock her out. It's hard to watch her laying in pain until sunrise before she can fall asleep inspite of the pain- what could we suggest for her?

[ocsrazor]

Hypermere,

My sympathies to your grandmother. From my end, I have heard of some successful human trials for relieving of pain in spinal related nerve injuries. But this does involve minor surgery for implanting small electrodes. I will do some checking if you are interested.

Best,
Ocsrazor

P.S. I'm a grad student in Neuroengineering at Ga. Tech.

[Hypermere]

That would be appreciated, I'd like to have some things to show her. Whether or not she takes up the offer and tries is of course another story.

[ocsrazor]

Hi Hypermere,

Start with the Medtronic website Neurostimulation

and this article which is pretty straight forward Implantable Neurostimulation Devices

If your grandmother is unwilling to take her meds, your best bet is to find her a pain management specialist who is willing to try other alternatives like neuro stimulation. If she is near a good academic hospital, you are more likely to find someone like this there.

Let me know if I can help with further information.

Best,
Ocsrazor

[LifeMirage]

Lipoic Acid & Gabapentin (Neurontin) can be helpful.