Motor cortex stimulation for refractory neuropathic pain. Long-term outcome

Abstract

The objectives of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of motor cortex stimulation (MCS) on refractory neuropathic pain and to identify predictive factors for efficacy. 31 consecutive patients were included in a prospective evaluation with pre-operative clinical, psychological, radiological (MRI, fMRI, PET) and electrophysiological (PES, PEL, RIII) investigations. Patients had central pain secondary to hemorrhagic (n=11) or ischemic (n=11) stroke, spinal lesion (n=4), brain trauma (n=1), complete brachial plexus avulsion (n=4).