Prognostic Value of Psychological Testing in Patients Undergoing Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Because our study population was selected on the basis of recognized prognostic factors and long clinical experience, it may not be possible to generalize our findings to the overall pain clinic referral population. In the subpopulation we have chosen for SCS trials, psychological testing is of modest value and explains little of the observed variance in outcome. We find little evidence for selecting patients for SCS on the basis of psychological testing. Because self-reported outcome measures may themselves reflect the patient's psychological state, these findings should be considered carefully, in overall clinical context. A prospective study with additional objective outcome measures is underway, which will address some of these issues.

Failed back surgery syndrome: a suggested algorithm of care

“…Not all patients are suitable for the PMP, and patients with unrealistic goals have been shown to have a poor outcome following PMP treatment. [42][43][44] These patients can be very difficult to manage and should be managed by conservative means by close collaboration between GPs and pain clinics, using containment strategies. Some patients can become suitable for PMP therapy with individual psychological and/or physiotherapy treatment sessions.…”

Long-term spinal analgesic delivery: A review of the preclinical and clinical literature

“…298,320 Most of this literature involves spinal cord stimulation; however, this information can be applied to long-term intraspinal drug delivery.…”

Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome

“…Few studies have examined the usefulness of prognostic factors [12,13], and these studies have not found good predictors of outcome. Clinical experience suggests, however, that some patients are poor candidates for stimulation.…”