Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1464713
" What drives me personally is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. Sometimes that can be done on a very small scale, which still makes a big difference. Other times it can seem almost miraculous." — BRIAN SNYDER, MD, NEUROSURGEON AT NSPC be appropriate and beneficial for them. At NSPC, these patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to assess the appropriateness of revision surgery. "If you have a system inside your body and it is not helping as much as you would like — whatever the reasons — a revision may offer you a chance at further improve- ment," Dr. Snyder says. CARE FOLLOWING NEUROMODULATOR DEVICE PLACEMENT The recover y time fol low ing neuro- modulator device placement, a s well a s follow-up a f ter device placement, is specific to the neuromodulator a nd individua l patient needs. Some device pla cement su rger ies a re m i n i ma l ly i n v a s i v e a n d on ly r e q u i r e a s h or t recover y time, while others may have a longer recovery. Patients of ten need relatively close follow-up in the early days following the procedure. During this time, providers ma ke fine adjustments to the device to ma ke sure it is working optima lly and to ensure that pain is well-controlled. "Beyond the initia l ca libration of the dev ice, there is ver y lit tle necessa r y follow-up," Dr. Snyder says. "Most of the devices will a lert the user that the battery is getting low. Certainly, if some- one has pain that is worsening, they are going to come back to the doctor, and if a low batter y is the cause we will step in to assess the situation very rapidly." While most neuromodulator devices are operated by battery power, many can last severa l yea rs. Low-batter y a ler ts and a return or increase of the origina l compla int a re reasons to contact the surgeon who implanted the device. TOWARD AN END TO PAIN With these advancements in neuromod- ulation devices, patients with chronic pain have more options for pain control now than ever before. Neuromodulation is becoming more adva nced a nd versa- tile, offering hope to those with chronic pa in that has been refractor y to treat- ment . Of ten, patient s have mu ltiple options for neuromodulation treatment moda lities. Dr. Snyder welcomes the oppor tunit y to sha re these adva nces w it h people who may have str ugg led with pa in for yea rs. "There's a large opportunity to make a major difference in many people's lives," Dr. Snyder says. " We rea lly wa nt to see a nybody who is suffering with chronic pa in, including patients who have had unsuccessful attempts at neuromodu- lation or suboptima l impla nts." ■ Lear n m o re abo ut n e uro m odulatio n devices of fered at NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery by visiting nspc.com . Dr. Snyder carefully reviews all relevant information to determine if neuromodulation may be an appropriate option for patients who suffer from chronic pain and have failed to find relief from other treatments. Always in motion, Dr. Snyder balances a busy surgical schedule with weekly in-office patient appointments and telemedicine consultations. 1 0❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E