Introduction
Neurological pain can cause extreme discomfort and even hinder your day-to-day life activities. There can be numerous reasons why one may suffer neurological pain and disorders. One of these is lifestyle diseases like diabetes. Also, as you grow older, the probability of developing neurological problems increases. To get the best and long-term solution, it is crucial to get a thorough check-up and the required treatment. One of the treatments for neurological pain is the intrathecal pain pump test. Various chronic pain diseases can become tough to manage through OTC medicines or home remedies. In such a situation, an intrathecal pain pump test specialist may recommend these solutions. It is a testing method that is recommended to a patient if it is found to be successful in managing pain.
What is an intrathecal pain pump test?
As the name may suggest, an intrathecal pain pump test is a trial medication given to a patient to test the effectiveness of the pain relief medicine. During an intrathecal pain pump test, the patient is given pain relief medication directly into the intrathecal space between the spinal cords. The medication is given using a temporary catheter. The overall process may not be that painful.
After the medication is given, the patient is kept under observation by the specialist to note the effectiveness of the medicine. If the intrathecal pump trial doctor finds the medication helpful and effective, further treatment may be recommended. The patient can then proceed with the full-fledged treatment as per the requirements.
Who requires an intrathecal pain pump?
The intrathecal pain pump is a steroidal injection solution for chronic pain problems. Patients may suffer chronic neurological and musculoskeletal pain due to numerous reasons. Usually, patients who do not find relief from regular medicines, physical exercise, or relaxation techniques and the situation doesn’t improve may be recommended an intrathecal pain pump as a long-term solution.
Some of the common reasons that can trigger chronic nerve pain include:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Back surgery that may go wrong or fail
- Cancer treatments
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- An accident, etc.
To know the exact cause of your chronic pain, it is best to consult a doctor. At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, we have a team of intrathecal infusion pump experts who can help you get the right treatment for your condition. So, do not struggle anymore with chronic pain but contact us today to book your appointment.
How is an intrathecal pain pump test performed?
As discussed before, an intrathecal pain pump is inserted in the spinal cord. The area between the spinal cord and the spinal cord membrane is known as the intrathecal space. This space contains CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid). Through a small interventional surgery, a thin catheter connected to a round pump is inserted under the intrathecal skin. The function of the pump is controlled by an electronic device which is adjusted outside the skin. It is a small device so it is easy to carry with you. When the pump is injected into the CSF, the nerves along the spine are no longer able to send pain signals to the brain.
Since the system of brain signals is disrupted due to the intrathecal pain pump, the body can no longer feel the shooting or burning pain like usual. During the trial session, the patient is given the medicine and observed. If the patient feels a decrease in pain, the doctor may recommend getting the complete treatment done for the best solution.
After the intrathecal pain pump
The pain management physician for pump trials may suggest to you the dos and don’ts of an intrathecal pain pump test. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary complications or ineffective treatment results.
Once the treatment is done, you may feel soreness or discomfort around the incisions made for the intrathecal pain pump test. Usually, patients recover after 6-8 months after the surgery is done. This discomfort may last only for a few days. Usually, every 4-6 weeks, the pain pump is refilled.
After the surgery is done, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours after which the patient is released. The doctor may call you for a check-up after a week or more. Also, the patients are required to wear an abdominal binder to keep the healing process safe and effective.
The patient may be asked to avoid extreme temperature conditions, not lift heavy objects, or even bend your torso sharply. These are some of the common post-surgery tips. Apart from this, your doctor may recommend proper care for quick healing.
What can I expect from an intrathecal pain pump test?
Usually, intrathecal pain pump tests give favorable results. This means you may experience decreased and much-controlled pain that was otherwise chronic and extremely uncomfortable. In some cases, it may not work best for the patient so the doctor may recommend other pain management solutions. In case you experience extreme pain at incisions or high fever after the surgery, make sure to contact your doctor immediately!
Facts you must know!
There are some interesting insights and facts about neurological pain problems that you must know. Here are some of the facts we have listed for you:
- According to a survey, around 10% of the respondents are suffering from neurological pain problems in the USA
- Diabetes-related neurological pain problems constitute around 30% of all cases
- The human body has around 95-100 billion nerves and the complexities of nerves make it difficult to easily get rid of the nerve pain
- Epilepsy, a neurological disorder, is a non-curable condition. Medications can help relieve symptoms and effects but may not fully cure the problem
- Opioid medicines are the strongest pain management medication for neurological pain and disorders
- Intrathecal pain pump medication can have side effects like infection or dislocation of the pain pump. However, such a situation is usually rare.
Conclusion
Intrathecal pain pump has been one of the successful pain relief solutions. If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain problems, it is best to book an appointment today for a detailed check-up and the right solution. In most cases, the patients report recovery and pain relief.
At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, our team of intrathecal pain pump test specialists are trained and certified professionals. Once you visit for the check-up, we make sure to recommend the most effective pain management solution. Before the procedure starts, patients may be recommended pre-surgery arrangements like blood sugar reports, X-rays, blog tests, etc. Once the doctor finds the situation good enough for this intervention surgery, the treatment is carried out. So, what are you waiting for? Get rid of chronic pain today with our effective intrathecal pain pump test.
