Neurostimulator

Neurostimulators are devices that allow (among other things), invasive pain management techniques. Also called an Implanted Pulse Generator (IPG), Neurostimulators discharge pulses of electricity to specific areas of the central nervous systems. They are used to treat various kinds of Neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease and Chronic pain.

There are primarily two types of Neurostimulators in use. The first is where the appliance's battery is implanted into the skin. The other type is where the battery is located outside. The former is generally used for mild pain that won't require the batter to be changed for a long time. This is important because the procedure to change the battery requires surgery.

Implants which have the battery outside the body are used for more complex stimulation patters and gives the user more control. Based on the requirements, a very strong pulse can be generated. Recharging the batters in this case does not require invasive surgery.

Neurostimulators are mostly used to treat spinal pain arising from Nerve Root Compression and Degenerative disk disease. Implants that are completely under the skin cause a slight bulge during implantation. However, this is not usually visible. Neurostimulators that have the battery outside the body require an antenna to be attached to the skin. This is so that the device can receive signals from the external battery.