Are there restrictions or precautions for using epidural stimulation?

Authors: Dominik Zbogar and Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Susan Harkema | Published: 14 February 2022 | Updated: ~

Epidural stimulation can be used in all people with SCI, regardless of the level or completeness of injury. However, certain situations can make it an unsafe treatment in some. It is important to speak to a health professional about your health history before beginning any new treatment.

• By people with implanted medical devices like cardiac pacemakers
• By people who are unable to follow instructions or provide accurate feedback
• By people with an active infection
• By people with psychological or psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse)
• By people who are unable to form clots (anticoagulopathy)
• Near areas of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

• By children or pregnant women
• By people who require frequent imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI (some epidural stimulation systems are compatible)
• By people using anticoagulant medications (blood thinners)