About the Neurostimulation Therapy Screening Test
Hundreds of thousands of people have experienced pain relief with Medtronic neurostimulation therapy. With a screening test, you can find out if it will work for you, too.
How the screening test works
During the 3- to 10-day screening test, you get a temporary neurostimulation system that delivers mild electrical impulses, interrupting pain signals and replacing them with a tingling sensation. The temporary system consists of three components:
- The external stimulator, which you wear on your waistband, that creates the mild electrical impulses
- The screening cable connects to a lead (thin flexible wire) that carries the impulses to your back. The lead is placed temporarily under the skin, through a small incision.
- The hand-held, wireless programmer allows you to control the stimulation levels
Your doctor will discuss details and risks and give you a booklet for your test system. The temporary system performs similarly to the fully implanted system so you have a good understanding if the therapy is right for you.
Screening test procedure
To start the screening test, you'll undergo a minor surgical outpatient procedure, done with a local anesthetic, to place the lead that delivers the electrical impulses. After a short recovery period, you'll be back to your normal routine.
