Chronic pain management
Dr. Polin specializes in the neurosurgical treatment of chronic pain disorders and recommends a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. Patients work with their existing physicians, which include primary care, neurologists and pain management physicians, in collaboration with Dr. Polin. Patients who do not get sufficient pain relief with nonoperative treatment will be considered for more aggressive neurosurgical pain management options after less invasive option have been tried without success.
Neurosurgical Procedures Offered Surgery For Pain Disorders
Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Decompression and Release for Occipital Neuralgia
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Intrathecal Pain Pumps
SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
A Spinal Cord Stimulator is an implanted device with a proven history of delivering relief to patients experiencing chronic pain. In this treatment, small electrodes are placed in the epidural space above the spinal cord. A pulse generator is implanted in the abdomen or buttock, and delivers electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals, resulting in pain relief to the affected area. Placement of a spinal cord stimulator is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Intrathecal Pain Pump
An Intrathecal pump is an implanted device used in the treatment of chronic pain. They are programmed to deliver medication into the spinal fluid through a small catheter. Medication is delivered into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. The ITP delivers pain medication directly to the pain receptors in the spinal cord. Only very small doses of medication are required to gain relief.
This proven pain relief technique has been shown to be both safe and effective.
Placement of an Intrathecal pump is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.