Epigenetic Mechanisms and Symptom Clusters Associated with Resolution of Pain Following Spinal Cord Stimulation

Neuromodulation has emerged as a minimally invasive therapy effective for the treatment of refractory neuropathic pain conditions. Epidural placement of electrodes provides long term analgesia through electrical stimulation of the spinal cord which alters expression of genes involved in synaptic signaling in the dorsal horn. Patients who receive SCS represent a unique opportunity to study the physiological mechanisms associated with the resolution of chronic pain.

This is a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study that will consist of individuals with persistent pain and meet criteria for implantation of a neurostimulation device. One hundred patients indicated for neurostimulation device placement and presenting to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Interventional Pain Management Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas will be recruited for this study. Patients who meet study inclusion criteria will be recruited to participate prior to stimulator placement procedure. Following an initial consultation and exam by a physician, patients will have necessary imaging and neuropsychological evaluation. Prior to SCS placement procedure, the patient will complete preoperative labs.

At baseline, patients will be asked to complete the demographic questionnaire, and physical functioning questionnaires, and provide a blood sample. Blood samples will be drawn and stored until sample processing is completed. Medical records will be reviewed and abstracted for research-related data elements from electronic medical records. Questionnaire and form responses are collected and recorded for study use.

Study time points for data collection and sample collection are Baseline (Pre-treatment), routine follow-up visit < 60 days after baseline, 3 months, and 1-year post-implant procedure.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (age greater than or equal to18 years) who meet clinical criteria for implantation of a neuromodulation device
• Able to speak, write, and understand English

Exclusion criteria

• Evidence of monetary gain related to the outcome of the procedure (example worker's compensation, ongoing litigation, pending disability claim)
• Pain greater than 4/10 on pain scale at a bodily site not being treated by the neuromodulation procedure