MGM Healthcare Performs Chennai’s First Spinal Cord Stimulation Electrode Implantation
Chennai: MGM Healthcare, Chennai, has performed the city’s first spinal cord stimulation electrode implantation, a procedure involving the placement of small electrodes near the spinal cord to deliver controlled electrical impulses and modulate nerve activity.
The procedure was performed on a 30-year-old auto driver from Vellore who sustained a major spinal cord injury in a road traffic accident a year ago. The injury had resulted in loss of movement in both legs and severely limited movement in his hands below the elbows.
Following the procedure, the patient has shown gradual improvement in hand muscle strength. According to the hospital, he has demonstrated a one-grade improvement in distal hand power on the Medical Research Council (MRC) grading scale over six months.
The patient will require periodic programming of the spinal cord stimulation electrodes as his neurological function improves. His recovery is expected to continue over the next one to one-and-a-half years, with regular follow-up and rehabilitation forming an important part of his treatment.
Assessment and treatment
At the time of admission, the medical team conducted an MRI scan of the cervical spine to assess the extent of spinal cord damage caused by the accident.
Clinical examination, along with the imaging findings, confirmed that the patient had an ASIA Grade B spinal cord injury. This classification indicates that sensation is preserved below the level of injury, while normal motor function is largely absent.
Based on the assessment, the medical team opted for spinal cord stimulation to support neurological recovery.
A 16-contact spinal cord stimulation electrode system was implanted, with the electrodes positioned over the dura, the protective outer covering of the spinal cord, at the C5 level of the cervical spine.
The placement was planned to target the area of the spinal cord associated with the patient’s impaired motor function. The electrodes deliver controlled electrical impulses to modulate spinal cord activity. The stimulation settings will be adjusted periodically based on the patient’s clinical examination and progress.
The procedure was performed by the neurosurgical team comprising Dr. Roopesh Kumar, Director of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Ajinkya Rewatkar, Consultant Neurosurgeon.
Doctors highlight role of rehabilitation
Dr. Roopesh Kumar said spinal cord stimulation may be considered for selected patients with spinal cord injuries who continue to experience weakness, severe pain or spasticity, particularly when motor recovery is limited or delayed despite conventional treatment and rehabilitation.
He said the patient had shown measurable improvement in hand movement following the procedure, while emphasising that spinal cord stimulation is not a standalone treatment.
According to Dr. Kumar, the patient underwent detailed assessment before the procedure and was prepared for the rehabilitation required following implantation. Structured physiotherapy and rehabilitation, along with regular programming of the electrodes based on clinical improvement, will form part of the continuing treatment.
The medical team expects the patient’s neurological recovery to continue over the coming months, with follow-up assessments used to guide stimulation and rehabilitation.
