Epidural stimulation has certain complications and have some level of risk involved. Here are some things to understand in simpler terms:
Infection: After surgery, there's a small chance of getting an infection at the surgical site. This can happen within the first 2-8 weeks. Infections are not common, but if they occur, they need to be treated with medications.
Bleeding: Just like when you get a cut, there is a small risk of bleeding during surgery. Surgical teams take steps to control bleeding, but if it's too much, it can cause problems.
Device Moving: Sometimes, the electrodes (small wires) placed during the surgery might shift from their original position. When this happens, the device may not work as well in blocking pain. Fixing this might require another surgery to put the wires back in the right place.
Device Damage: If you experience a strong impact, like a fall or intense physical activity, it could potentially damage the spinal cord stimulator device. If that happens, it might need repair or replacement.
Dural Puncture: Around your spinal cord, there's a protective layer called the dura mater. The stimulator is placed just outside this layer. Rarely, during the procedure, a needle or electrode could go too deep and puncture the dura mater. This can lead to a leak of fluid around the spine and cause severe headaches. It would need medical attention to fix.
Spinal Cord Injury: Though extremely rare, there's a very small chance that the process of putting in the spinal cord stimulator could damage the nerves in your spinal cord. This could result in nerve problems or even paralysis.
Overall, it's important to know that while these complications are possible, spinal cord stimulator surgery is generally safe. Doctors recommend it when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. If you're considering this surgery, you should have a thorough discussion with your doctor about what it involves and the potential complications. Also, they will monitor you closely after the surgery to catch and address any issues early if they do happen.
