What Is Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation?
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation is a medical treatment used for managing chronic pain. The dorsal root ganglion is a group of nerve cells found along the roots of spinal nerves. These ganglia contain sensory neurons that send information from the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system regarding touch, temperature and other sensations.
A tiny device called a DRG stimulator is inserted near the dorsal root ganglion during DRG stimulation. This gadget sends electrical pulses to the dorsal root ganglion, regulating sensory neuron activity. When typical conservative treatments have failed to offer enough relief from pain, DRG stimulation is considered.
When considering DRG stimulation, choose an expert doctor who understands how DRG stimulation works. Dr. Mark Cohen is a neurology and pain management specialist at Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey. Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman also have extensive understanding to assist you in making the best use of DRG stimulation.
This practice also offers diverse treatment options, including:
What’s the Procedure for Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation?
Regular DRG stimulation involves various steps.
Before starting the procedure, it’s recommended that you go through some pre-operative measures that involve planning and preparation to ensure the procedure’s safety and success, such as:
- A thorough examination of your medical history, medications and overall health, as well as a review of previous treatments you’ve tried to alleviate pain
- Imaging investigations, such as MRI or X-rays, used to view anatomy and detect the dorsal root ganglion
- Changing medications as needed prior to the procedure, particularly if specific medications may interfere with the surgery
- A pre-operative consultation with an anesthesiologist to assess anesthetic risks
After completing the initial evaluation, people who may benefit from DRG stimulation are chosen, with preference given to people with chronic pain issues who have not reacted well to previous treatments.
A step-by-step DRG stimulation follows certain steps:
- A trial stimulation includes placing leads near the dorsal root ganglion and connecting them to an external stimulator for a short length of time to examine the efficacy.
- Your response to the trial stimulation is carefully assessed, considering aspects such as pain relief, improvement in daily functioning and any adverse effects.
- If the trial is a success and you get significant pain reduction, the choice to proceed with permanent implantation may be made.
- A permanent DRG stimulator is surgically implanted, with leads put near the dorsal root ganglion, a tiny generator implanted in the buttock or belly, and the leads connecting to give regulated electrical pulses.
- Your doctor then programs the device, adjusting parameters based on your responses. You can fine-tune stimulation levels within preset limitations using a remote control.
How Is Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation Used in Neurological Issues?
DRG stimulation has practical benefits in a variety of neurological contexts, particularly in the management of chronic pain, but its use is patient-specific, and results vary.
It can be used to treat conditions such as:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). DRG stimulation has been shown to be useful in treating chronic pain and sensory abnormalities associated with CRPS.
- Peripheral neuropathy. Nerve degeneration, pain and sensory problems often are treated successfully with DRG stimulation.
- Post-herpetic neuralgia. DRG stimulation has been used to treat the prolonged neuropathic pain that can occur after a shingles infection.
- Improved sensory mapping. DRG stimulation allows for enhanced sensory mapping and precise regulation of pain signals by targeting specific dorsal root ganglia.
- Post-amputation pain. DRG stimulation is considered a viable treatment option for chronic pain management in those who have had amputations.
DRG stimulation success varies depending on the person and is dependent on factors such as the pain condition and patient characteristics. Clinical research and patient reports have shown great success in managing chronic pain, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
It offers other benefits too, including:
- DRG stimulation precisely targets nerve clusters for targeted pain relief.
- Treatment is simply adaptable, allowing for fine-tuning in response to individual responses and shifting pain patterns.
- Proven effectiveness in the management of chronic pain, particularly when alternative treatments fail.
- Targets the dorsal root ganglia, refining pain signal modulation for better sensory mapping.
- When compared to other pain management methods, a targeted strategy reduces adverse effects.
- The procedure is reversible, allowing for device removal if necessary.
Dr. Cohen, Dr. Dvoskin and Dr. Reyfman ensure that DRG stimulation treatments are carried out correctly. Their knowledge enables precise patient selection, exact device placement and appropriate programming, increasing the chances of successful pain management. Contact Neuro Injury Specialists for a consultation.