Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)
DRG is a form of neuromodulation. Dorsal Root Ganglion is the main target area in this chronic pain treatment therapy. It is an easily accessible structure that performs a vital role in the development and management of chronic neuropathic pain. It modulates sensory inputs and is responsible for increasing neuropathic pain and creating ectopic firing.
DRG is advantageous for patients with the following conditions:
- Post-surgical knee, groin and hip pain
- Post-surgical ankle and foot pain
- Phantom limb pain
It is a Two-Stage Process:
Trial Version
Like SCS, the implantation process for the DRG also begins with a trial. The procedure will be performed under light sedation. The trial period usually lasts 5 to 7 days. In this process, the trial stimulator leads are implanted through the skin using an epidural needle. Then your doctor will stimulate the dorsal root ganglion instead of the spinal cord after positioning the leads within the epidural space.
Permanent Implant
Once the trial procedure is successful in obtaining the desired results, permanent implantation is scheduled by your doctor at a later date. It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Your doctor will make two incisions to implant permanent leads through the predetermined location in the epidural space. He will also train you how to use the control unit to turn the system on and off.
The patient can go home once the procedure is finished and the programming is complete.
