Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment in Turkey
About Spinal Cord Stimulation
Key Highlights
-
Provides significant, long-term relief for chronic neuropathic pain.Minimally invasive procedure with a reversible and adjustable system.Reduces or eliminates the need for high-dose pain medications and their side effects.Offers a trial period to assess effectiveness before permanent implantation.Can improve mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) with persistent leg or back pain.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II.
- Chronic neuropathic pain from diabetic peripheral neuropathy or post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Arachnoiditis or other causes of chronic radiculopathy.
- Peripheral vascular disease causing ischemic pain (angina or limb ischemia).
- Persistent pain unresponsive to conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and pain assessment by the neurologist.
- Review and optimization of current medications; some blood thinners may need to be paused.
- Pre-operative tests, which may include blood work, ECG, and imaging studies (MRI/CT).
- Psychological screening to ensure suitability and realistic expectations.
- Discussion of the two-stage process: a temporary trial followed by permanent implantation if successful.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is used.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the implant site or in the epidural space.
- Bleeding, hematoma, or spinal fluid leak (rare).
- Lead migration, breakage, or malfunction requiring revision surgery.
- Undesirable changes in stimulation (over- or under-stimulation).
- Allergic reaction to implant materials or local anesthesia.
- Rare risk of nerve injury, paralysis, or dural puncture headache.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay of 1-2 days for monitoring after permanent implant surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for 4-6 weeks to allow lead stabilization.
- Keep the incision sites clean and dry; watch for signs of infection.
- Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurologist.
- Regular follow-up appointments for device programming and optimization.
- Learn to use the patient programmer to adjust stimulation within prescribed settings.
-
Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
-
Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for full activity restriction
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal cord stimulation in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal cord stimulation in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform spinal cord stimulation. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spinal cord stimulation compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
Ayaan Saxena, a 42-year-old software architect...
Ayaan Saxena, a 42-year-old software architect and father of two, had his life upended by a car accident three years ago. The impact left him with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) after two unsuccessful lumbar laminectomies. He lived with a constant, burning pain radiating down his right leg, making sitting at his desk for more than 20 minutes unbearable and playing with his children a distant memory. His neurologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) trial after conservative treatments, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and various medications, provided only fleeting relief. Dr. Sharma explained it as a 'pacemaker for pain,' designed to interrupt the pain signals before they reached his brain. Ayaan underwent a week-long trial with temporary leads, during which he experienced a gentle, tingling sensation that masked about 70% of his burning pain. Encouraged, he proceeded with the permanent implant. The recovery required patience; he had to avoid bending and lifting for six weeks. Now, eight months post-procedure, Ayaan has reduced his opioid use by 80% and can work a full day and coach his son's soccer team. Emotionally, he transitioned from a state of despair and feeling like a burden to his family to one of regained purpose and hope, though he still has moments of caution, fearing the pain's return.