Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is a form of brain stimulation for patients with neuropathic pain not responsive to medication. An electrode is placed on the surface of the brain and connected to a programmable battery in the chest. The strength of stimulation can be individually adjusted by changing the voltage of stimulation. A too high voltage will produce side effects (e.g. seizures) while a too low voltage will not provide pain control. The aim of this study is to analyze the optimal stimulation timing parameters in patients already implanted with MCS and have received good pain relief. The investigators wish to cyclize on/off MCS in order to save the battery life of the stimulator and also decrease stimulus habituation. The investigators hope to determine these timing parameters while maintaining optimal pain relief.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
6
The Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Change in Pain measured on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with different stimulation settings
Time frame: At the End of each trial period, typically 14 days after change in stimulation settings
Quality of Life assessment with the SF-36 questionnaire
Time frame: At the end of each trial period, typically at 14 days after change in stimulation settings
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