Principles of electrical stimulation and dorsal column mapping as it relates to spinal cord stimulation: an overview.

The last 30 years have witnessed the growth of spinal cord stimulation as a treatment modality for an increasing number of chronic pain conditions. In spite of this growth, one of the greatest criticisms is the lack of concrete evidence for the mechanism of action. With the ever increasing enlightenment with regards to the neurophysiology of pain, and the development of more dynamic neuroimaging techniques, the opportunity to better define the mechanism of action of the spinal cord stimulator will continue to expand.

Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of cancer-related pain: "back to the origins".

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used in the treatment of chronic pain for more than 40 years. The most common indication for SCS in the USA is failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Interestingly, the first two spinal cord stimulators ever implanted were in patients suffering from bronchogenic carcinoma and pelvic cancer, respectively.

Headaches during war: analysis of presentation, treatment, and factors associated with outcome.

Background: Headache is often associated with physical trauma and psychological stress. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of headache on personnel deployed in war zones and to identify factors associated with return to duty (RTD).

Methods: Outcome data were prospectively collected on 985 personnel medically evacuated out of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom for a primary diagnosis of headache between 2004 and 2009.