Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial (SCS) Evaluation

Are you interested in wearing a spinal cord stimulator implant? Have you been referred to us for a psychological assessment before you can undergo a spinal cord stimulator operation or before your trial of using one of these electrical pain management devices?

At Thoughtwise in Tallahassee we offer the clinical services and the clinical services that offer you the psychological and neuropsychological assessments that you need for a spinal cord stimulation trial (SCS), spinal cord stimulation operation, or surgery.

What is a spinal cord stimulation trial?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is considered a neuromodulation device. These types of devices are used for different things. Neuromodulation devices send electrical impulses to a select area of the brain or body to deliver desired effects or relief.

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is connected to your spinal cord through surgery or some form of medical operation and sends an electrical signal to your spinal cord to help manage chronic pain or minimize severe pain in your lower back or legs.

Before you undergo surgery for the permanent placement of a spinal cord stimulator, often your provider may want you to experience a limited amount of time using the device to determine if the device is best for you, and in consideration for permanent placement.

The SCS trial, using the device temporarily, may last only about 1-2 weeks.

Why am I being referred for psychological testing?

Some medical operations, surgeries, or other permanent medical interventions require that you undergo a psychological test and for many practical reasons.

The reasons behind your surgeon’s, doctor’s, or provider’s requirement that you undergo a psychological evaluation are often because:

• All patients are different, and all people react to the operations differently.
• It is a requirement for your health to be evaluated.
• To assure that you are in the heath and condition to benefit from the intervention.
• To assess you for any underlying health risks.
• These operations sometimes add anxiety, worry, or stress to your life at least for some period of time.
• To assure that you have the ability to understand and follow through with the medical prescriptions or recommendations for self-care after the intervention/operation.
• To assess you for any alcohol or substance abuse issues.
• To assure that this procedure is right for you before you undergo the operation.

Who can conduct these assessments?

We offer you the services that you need to be assessed for spinal cord stimulation trials and surgery, bariatric surgery, other types of surgery, medical interventions, and forensic assessments. Here at Thoughtwise, we can also offer you the evaluations you need to apply for disability benefits or special services through many institutions.

At Thoughtwise, we offer you the evaluations and recommendations that you need to undergo many other operations or medical intervention. Often these tests are needed to ensure that you are in good health to take on these permanent procedures.