Neuromodulation in patients deployed to war zones.
Four active duty military personnel and two retired soldiers/military contractors were treated with spinal or peripheral nerve stimulators. All six personnel were able to deploy after the stimulators were placed. Five patients had no incidents during their deployments. One patient completed four deployments but had mechanical complications that necessitated eventual revisions. Considering the risks and limitations of reoperation, nerve blocks, and pharmacotherapy in a forward-deployed area, spinal cord stimulation provides an appealing alternative in soldiers who desire to remain deployable on active duty.
Dragovich
Anthony
A
Department of Surgery, Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, USA. dragov3@mac.com
Weber
Thomas
T
Wenzell
Daniel
D
Verdolin
Michael H
MH
Cohen
Steven P
SP
D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014857:Warfare
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents