Patent ID: 7130691
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for minimizing central pain in a patient having a spinal cord injury, the method comprising: determining the level of injury in the patient: determining the location of perceived central pain in the patient: mapping the location of the perceived pain in the patient to a potential pain generating DREZ of the patient's spinal cord, the mapping consistent with a pre-determined somatotopic map, wherein the somatotopic map provides a standard guide for a DREZ location that correlates to a perceived central pain, as previously determined from a series of test subjects having spinal cord injuries; and surgically exposing and causing one or more lesions in the identified pain generating DREZ, wherein the one or more lesions minimizes central pain in the patient and wherein each lesion in the pain generating DREZ site(s) is introduced by radio-frequency microcoagulation at about 90 degree C. for 30 seconds.