Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation) Trial
1746875600
If you have chronic pain in the abdomen, hip, groin, knee, back, pelvis, foot, or ankle that’s hard to treat, a Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation trial could help. This trial lasts about 7 to 10 days, and a permanent implant decision depends on your results. Here’s what to know before and after your procedure.
Prepare your body by eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting plenty of sleep to aid recovery. Don’t eat for 8 hours before the procedure, but clear liquids are allowed up to 2 hours prior. Follow your doctor’s advice if you take blood thinners.
Use a pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® the night before and morning of your procedure to reduce infection risk. Wear loose-fitting clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home.
After the procedure, keep your trial leads dry. Avoid submerging or showering directly; sponge baths are best to protect the dressing and leads. Avoid bending, twisting, or heavy lifting while the leads are in place.
Antibiotics might be prescribed—check with your medical team. Adjust the stimulator remote for optimal pain relief. Some bleeding on the bandage is normal.
Your device representative can assist with using the stimulator. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headache, fever, or loss of feeling.
This trial helps determine if DRG stimulation offers meaningful pain relief. If it does, the team will consider a permanent implant.
FAQs
How should I prepare for a DRG stimulation trial?
Before a DRG stimulation trial, patients should follow an anti-inflammatory diet and get plenty of rest to aid in recovery. It is important not to eat anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure, though clear liquids are permitted up to 2 hours beforehand. Patients should also use a pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® the night before and the morning of the procedure, wear loose-fitting clothing, and arrange for someone to drive them home.
What happens if the DRG stimulation trial is successful?
If the DRG stimulation trial provides meaningful pain relief, the medical team will discuss the possibility of proceeding with a permanent DRG stimulator implant. The decision will depend on the effectiveness of pain reduction and the patient’s overall experience during the trial.
What is a Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation trial?
A Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation trial is a short-term procedure used to evaluate the effectiveness of DRG stimulation in managing chronic pain in areas such as the abdomen, hip, groin, knee, back, pelvis, foot, or ankle. The trial typically lasts for 7 to 10 days and helps determine whether a permanent implant could be beneficial for pain relief.
What post-procedure care is required after a DRG stimulation trial?
After the procedure, trial leads must be kept dry, requiring sponge baths instead of showers or baths to protect the dressing and leads. Patients should avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects while the leads are in place. It’s also recommended to follow any guidelines provided by medical professionals, including potential antibiotic prescriptions.
What should I monitor during the DRG stimulation trial?
During the trial, patients should monitor for any signs of improvement in pain levels. They should also be vigilant for complications such as loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headaches, fever, or loss of feeling, and contact their doctor immediately if these occur. Device representatives can help adjust the stimulator for optimal pain relief.