Title |
Spinal cord stimulators and radiotherapy: First case report and practice guidelines
|
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Published in |
Radiation Oncology, October 2011
|
DOI | 10.1186/1748-717x-6-143 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Lorraine Walsh, Daipayan Guha, Thomas G Purdie, Philippe Bedard, Alexandra Easson, Fei-Fei Liu, Mojgan Hodaie |
Abstract |
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are a well-recognised treatment modality in the management of a number of chronic neuropathic pain conditions, particularly failed back syndrome and radiculopathies. The implantable pulse generator (IPG) component of the SCS is designed and operates in a similar fashion to that of a cardiac pacemaker. The IPG consists of an electrical generator, lithium battery, transmitter/receiver and a minicomputer. When stimulated, it generates pulsed electrical signals which stimulate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, thus alleviating pain. Analogous to a cardiac pacemaker, it can be potentially damaged by ionising radiation from a linear accelerator, in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Herein we report our clinical management of the first reported case of a patient requiring adjuvant breast radiotherapy who had a SCS in situ. We also provide useful practical recommendations on the management of this scenario within a radiation oncology department. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 1 | 25% |
Australia | 1 | 25% |
Unknown | 2 | 50% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 4 | 100% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 57 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Researcher | 12 | 21% |
Student > Master | 12 | 21% |
Other | 6 | 11% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 4 | 7% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 4 | 7% |
Other | 11 | 19% |
Unknown | 8 | 14% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 21 | 37% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 8 | 14% |
Neuroscience | 6 | 11% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 2 | 4% |
Physics and Astronomy | 2 | 4% |
Other | 6 | 11% |
Unknown | 12 | 21% |