Deep brain stimulation for the alleviation of post-stroke neuropathic pain

Pain. 2006 Jan;120(1-2):202-206. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.09.035. Epub 2005 Dec 15.

Abstract

Our aim was to asses the efficacy of deep brain stimulation in post-stroke neuropathic pain. Since 2000, 15 patients with post-stroke intractable neuropathic pain were treated with deep brain stimulation of the periventricular gray area (PVG), sensory thalamus (Ventroposterolateral nucleus-VPL) or both. Pain was assessed using both a visual analogue scale and the McGill's pain questionnaire. VAS scores show a mean improvement of 48.8% (SD 8.6%). However, there is a wide variation between patients. This study demonstrates that it is an effective treatment in 70% of such patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / diagnosis
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Neuralgia / prevention & control*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome