title: Clinical evidence for dorsal root ganglion stimulation in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. A review.
abstract: Treating chronic neuropathic pain remains a challenge, despite the existing therapies. Recent years have seen the emergence of promising new technologies, such as the neurostimulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). In the present article, we review the clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of DRG neurostimulation in the treatment of chronic pain. While the results from a number of small observational studies are promising, it is not yet possible to conclude on the long-term effectiveness and safety of DRG stimulation and it is too early to recommend its widespread use outside of a research protocol. To improve the level of proof, larger randomized controlled trials are needed. These should include well-described populations, a sufficiently long follow-up and a detailed description of concurrent treatments (pharmacologic and patient integration in a multidisciplinary approach).
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Forget
authors.forename: Th
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steyaert
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Masquelier
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deumens
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Le Polain de Waroux
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*