Analysis of parameters for epidural spinal cord stimulation. 1. Perception and tolerance thresholds resulting from 1,100 combinations.

A computerized statistical analysis of 1,100 quadripolar electrode combinations used in epidural spinal cord stimulation therapy for the management of pain was carried out to investigate perception and tolerance thresholds. This analysis showed that the thresholds are higher at high-cervical, mid-cervical, mid-thoracic and low-thoracic spinal levels. It is also higher for the combinations with contacts located in the midline than those implanted laterally. As the contact separation increases, the perception and tolerance thresholds increase in bipolar combinations. Unipolar combinations have the lowest thresholds.