What is epidural electrical stimulation?
What is epidural electrical stimulation?
Epidural stimulation is an experimental therapy that has the potential to help individuals with spinal cord injuries, including paraplegics and tetraplegics, to regain movement and control that had been lost. It involves implanting a small device over the protective coating of the spinal cord.
How much does epidural stimulation cost?
According to Cost Helper Health, typical out-of-pocket costs of spinal cord stimulation for uninsured patients range between $15,000 and $50,000 (although they have been known to cost more): “According to a study[3] funded by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, average total medical costs of …
What is a tetraplegic person?
Tetraplegia (sometimes referred to as quadriplegia) is a term used to describe the inability to voluntarily move the upper and lower parts of the body. The areas of impaired mobility usually include the fingers, hands, arms, chest, legs, feet and toes and may or may not include the head, neck, and shoulders.
How does epidural spinal cord stimulation work?
The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae (the epidural space), and the generator is placed under the skin, usually near the buttocks or abdomen. Spinal cord stimulators allow patients to send the electrical impulses using a remote control when they feel pain.
Is epidural stimulation covered by insurance?
So how much does a spinal cord stimulator cost? Spinal cord stimulation was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1984. And the good news is since spinal cord stimulation is a well-established therapy it’s covered by most major insurance plans.
Can Tetraplegics walk?
While the stereotype of a paraplegic is of someone in a wheelchair who cannot move his or her arms or legs, cannot feel anything below the level of injury, and cannot walk, paraplegics actually have a range of capabilities that may change over time, both as their health evolves and their physical therapy helps them …
Who is the longest living tetraplegic?
Frank Williams is the longest serving team boss in F1 history. He is also the world’s longest living tetraplegic….
Who is not a good candidate for spinal cord stimulator?
Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve field stimulation therapy are not for everyone. These therapies are usually not recommended for individuals who: Have a systemic infection or infection at the site where the device would be implanted. Use a demand-type cardiac pacemaker.
How painful is epidural?
Does it hurt when the epidural is administered? The physician anesthesiologist will numb the area where the epidural is administered, which may cause a momentary stinging or burning sensation. But because of this numbing, there is very little pain associated with an epidural injection.