What the Temporary Evaluation Period Is
If you are a candidate for neurostimulation, you will have what is called a temporary evaluation, or trial. This evaluation lets you find out how well you respond to neurostimulation before committing to an implanted system. Typically, the evaluation will last three to seven days. During this time, you will use a temporary system to assess how well the stimulation controls your pain throughout the day and during different activities. After the evaluation, you and your doctor will discuss your experiences with neurostimulation.
What are the components of a temporary system?
The temporary system consists of components that work together to deliver pulses to the nerves along the spinal cord in order to reduce pain. The components include leads, cables, and an external generator.
- The leads are thin wires that deliver pulses from the generator to nerves along the spinal cord. They are placed in an area along your spinal column called the epidural space.
- The cables connect the leads to the external generator.
- The external generator is a system that sends the pulses to the leads. You can use the generator to adjust how the therapy feels. The generator comes with a holster so you can wear it on your belt or clothing during the evaluation period.
To learn more about the procedure for getting a system, refer to the page How To Receive a Temporary System.