Hi Babette- apologies for the delayed response to your question. For neurostimulation procedures our office offers the classes to ensure that patients have access to all applicable information on this procedure available as an option for them. We encourage any patients interested in this treatment method to sit in as an educational experience as well as an opportunity to get any questions they may have answered. If a patient determines that this could be a productive option for them, they will first complete a one-week, SCS trial to determine if they receive relief above the expected threshold. If successful, prior to the surgical implantation of the device, patients are required to obtain surgical clearance from a psychologist that we can refer you to. This process is common among various surgeries and is in place to ensures patient wellbeing throughout the procedure and recovery.
Yes, the class is to show you the device and how everything works and to answer any questions you may have. The psychologist appt I am sure is to make sure that a patient is mentally stable enough to go through this procedure, and handle things if they don't acheive the results they had hoped for. That is my guess. I went through it. The pychologist is a very nice man.
In assuming you are talking about spinal cord stimulation. The class is to inform you about how it all works. In not sure about the psychologist. But i did it and the guy was really nice.
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