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Percutaneous epidural neurostimulation in modulation of paraplegic spasticity

Six case reports

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Summary

Six cases of paraplegic, post-traumatic spasticity, alleviated by percutaneous epidural neurostimulation with temporary or permanent implanted neuroelectrodes from the L1 to L4 intervertebral levels are presented. Modulation of this spasticity and secondary beneficial physiological effects were achieved, including regulation of bowel regimens, production of sweating and piloerection below the level of the lesion, and morning erections. The main advantages of percutaneous epidural neurostimulation in modulating spasticity are the avoidance ofdestructive neurosurgical procedures, the regulation of secondary physiological and autonomic responses, the avoidance of antispasticity medications, and the reversibility of the neurostimulation procedure.

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Author notes

  1. R. R. Richardson M.D.

    Present address: Physiologic Neurosurgery, Westchester County Medical Center, 10595, Valhalla, NY, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Divisions of Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, USA

    R. R. Richardson M.D., L. J. Cerullo, D. G. McLone, F. A. Gutierrez & V. Lewis

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  1. R. R. Richardson M.D.
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  2. L. J. Cerullo
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  3. D. G. McLone
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  4. F. A. Gutierrez
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  5. V. Lewis
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Richardson, R.R., Cerullo, L.J., McLone, D.G. et al. Percutaneous epidural neurostimulation in modulation of paraplegic spasticity. Acta neurochir 49, 235–243 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01808963

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