Pain Management Psychological Clearance Evaluations.
SCS.
A Spinal Cord Stimulator or Dorsal Column Stimulator is a type of implantable Neuro-modulation device that is used to send electrical signals to select areas of the spinal cord for the treatment of certain pain conditions.
+ What to expect
These can be done through Tele-Health via ZOOM app remotely from your home! Your evaluation will include an assessment by a trained psychologist. The psychologist will go over medications, past important mental & medical history, & will administer self measures, & also have you do a few psychological measures as well. These assessments typically take anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours.
DCS.
A Dorsal Cord Stimulator works by masking pain signals before they reach the brain. A stimulator device delivers electric pulses to electrodes placed over the spinal cord. It is a type of implantable device.
DBS.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that affect brain activity to treat certain medical conditions.
FAQ’S
+ Report Process
After your measures are scored, The Dr. generates a personalized report & it is promptly sent to your referring physician within 24-48 hours. If there are any indiscrepancies you will be contacted and steps will be taken to correct the report.
PNS.
Peripheral nerve stimulation, frequently referred to as PNS, is a commonly used approach to treat chronic pain. It involves surgery that places a small electrical device (a wire-like electrode) next to one of the peripheral nerves.
+ Why do I need it?
Most major insurance companies now require psychological clearance before the surgery is completed. A pre-surgical evaluation is a means of ensuring that you are set up for future success with your implanted device. It assesses different aspects of pain and the surgery itself including: • Behavior • Emotions • Development • Current life circumstances • Motivation for the surgery • Expectation for the surgery. To begin, most psychologists will start with your previous and current behaviors regarding your implanted device. You may be interviewed extensively about your previous pain management attempts, lifestyles, medications, and your exercise routine. These indicators can demonstrate whether you have adopted a healthy lifestyle that can contribute to greater success and better outcomes when used in combination with the implanted device. From there, the psychologist might assess your cognitive understanding of pain management, life style changes, and the implanted device. They are looking to ensure that you understand how pain management occurs and what the risks are for the surgery. This is also an excellent time for them to review your coping skills and how those play into your pain management goals. They will also examine your current life circumstances including any stressors that could contribute to an unsuccessful outcome with your surgery. Last but not least, your pre-surgical evaluation will go over your motivation for wanting the implanted device and help you to manage your expectations for the outcome. This is an important step to prevent disappointment and unrealistic expectations regarding the pain management and lifestyle difference that you may see following the surgery. Assessing this part of your psyche allows you to truly evaluate whether this surgery is something that you want and need for your health.
