Neurophysiological Effects of Medication Tapering During Treatment With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Chronic neuropathic pain, particularly in patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2 (PSPS-T2, formerly FBSS), remains a major therapeutic challenge. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for patients with refractory pain. In Belgium, a 21-day trial period with an externalized epidural lead is mandatory before permanent implantation. During this trial, pain relief, improved sleep, increased activity, and reduction in pain medication intake must be documented in order to qualify for a permanent implant.

The Evoke™ Closed-Loop SCS system (Saluda Medical) is a CE-marked device used within its licensed indication in this study. This system uniquely records Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) from the spinal cord, allowing continuous monitoring of neural activation. Closed-loop algorithms adjust stimulation output in real time based on measured ECAPs, thereby aiming to deliver consistent therapy within each patient's therapeutic window.

Recent pilot data and case reports have suggested that reductions in pain medication, particularly strong opioids and anticonvulsants, may alter spinal cord sensitivity to stimulation and ECAP parameters. A prospective pilot study performed at ZAS St. Augustinus Hospital (Belgium) demonstrated measurable changes in spinal cord sensitivity after medication reduction in patients implanted with the Evoke system. These findings suggest that medication tapering may influence neurophysiological responsiveness to SCS and highlight the importance of documenting this relationship systematically.

Study Design

This is a multicenter, open-label, prospective observational study enrolling 50 patients scheduled for SCS with the Evoke closed-loop system. Patients will be stratified into three groups according to baseline pain medication use:

• Patients with no strong opioids or anticonvulsants (control group, n≈10).
• Patients with monotherapy of strong opioids (n≈20).
• Patients with monotherapy of anticonvulsants (n≈20).

All participants will undergo a 3-week trial with one or two epidural leads (T7 level). If the trial is successful, patients will proceed to permanent implantation of the closed-loop stimulator. Assessments will occur at baseline, each week during the trial, at permanent implantation, and one month post-implantation.

Assessments

• Documentation of medication use (daily/weekly via Belgian Pain Platform [BPP] and clinical verification).
• Pain intensity (VAS), sleep, and activity (BPP).
• Activation plots (relationship between current output and ECAP amplitude anchored by patient-reported thresholds and maximum tolerable perception).
• Neurophysiological parameters: conduction velocity, chronaxie, rheobase.

Endpoints

• Primary endpoint: Effect of pain medication group on changes in spinal cord sensitivity to stimulation during the SCS trial, assessed through activation plots and medication intake.
• Secondary endpoints:
• Change in pain intensity (VAS) from baseline to post-trial.
• Reduction in pain medication intake during the trial and one month after implantation.
• Changes in sleep and activity.
• Additional neurophysiological outcomes (conduction velocity, chronaxie, rheobase).

Duration of Participation Each patient will participate from baseline assessment through 1 month after permanent implantation. Study exit occurs either at completion or upon withdrawal (e.g., unsuccessful trial phase or medical reasons).

Burden and Risks The primary and secondary endpoints involve assessments routinely performed in SCS trials. Additional neurophysiological measurements (conduction velocity, chronaxie, rheobase) may add 5-10 minutes to a follow-up visit. Risks are limited to those normally associated with SCS implantation. There is no direct benefit to participants, but data may inform future research and optimization of medication management during SCS therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient deemed a suitable candidate for SCS and routinely scheduled to undergo a trial phase with the Evoke SCS system.
• Diagnosis of Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2 (lower spine).
• Current medication use:
• No strong opioids or anticonvulsants, or other analgesics
• Monotherapy with a strong opioid, or
• Monotherapy with an anticonvulsant.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent to participate, based on a voluntary agreement after a full explanation of the study.
• Age ≥ 18 years at the time of enrollment.
• Willing and able to comply with study requirements, procedures, and follow-up visits.

Exclusion criteria

• Evidence of an active disruptive psychological or psychiatric disorder, or other condition significant enough to impact pain perception, compliance with intervention, or ability to evaluate outcomes (as determined by the investigator in consultation with a clinical psychologist).
• Current diagnosis of a progressive neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, rapidly progressive arachnoiditis, rapidly progressive diabetic peripheral neuropathy, brain or spinal cord tumor, or severe/critical spinal stenosis.
• Current diagnosis or condition such as coagulation disorder, bleeding diathesis, platelet dysfunction, progressive peripheral vascular disease, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus that presents excess risk for the procedure (as determined by the investigator).
• Active systemic or local infection.
• Pregnancy.
• Within 6 months prior to enrollment: significant untreated addiction to dependency-producing medications or a history of substance abuse (including alcohol or illicit drugs).