"Burst" SCS Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analgesic efficacy of "burst" and tonic (500Hz) Spinal Cord Stimulation patterns: A randomised placebo-controlled study
IRAS ID
153409
Contact name
Sam Eldabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The study is looking to find the best way to programme spinal cord stimulators, by programming them to deliver current in spikes of electricity similar to the electric signals given off by the brain (new wave form) or a more continuous form of current as is used routinely (routine use wave form) . The programmes being tested are called Burst and Tonic, and they will each be compared to sham stimulation (Sham - no stimulation). There is evidence that this mode of programming SCS (burst) produces better pain relief without producing pins and needles sensations. We want to see if changing the programming in this way will improve pain control and quality of life.
The way stimulators are programmed now is called conventional ( tonic or standard) stimulation. New ways of programming your device are now available using “burst” stimulation and a higher frequency of the standard or Tonic stimulation current, which means that patients may not experience the tingling sensations associated with spinal cord stimulators.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/1043
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion