Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Sensory Perceptions of Chronic Pain Patients

It's well known that Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) changes the perception of chronic pain in the area stimulated by epidural electrodes. However, we don't know the effect of this type of stimulation on the perception of external sensations (temperature, touch, pressure, and vibration) and sharp pain. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is used to quantify somatosensory phenotype. This QST battery tests different subtypes of nerve fibres (Aβ, Aδ and C) involved in the transduction of sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the SCS on sensory perceptions of patients with chronic pain (CRPS, FBSS). Sensorial perception tests will be carried out in accordance with a standardized procedure (Rolke et al. Pain, 2006). For non-implanted patients, an initial visit will be conducted before the operation. For all participants, two other visits will take place at least 6 months after the operation to perform the tests with and without stimulation.