Experimental neurointerventional technique shows promise for severe back pain

Researchers at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 23rd Annual Meeting presented an experimental neurointerventional technique designed to treat severe back pain, a leading cause of disability and opioid use, by delivering medication directly through the arteries supplying the painful area. The approach uses catheter-based procedures commonly used for stroke treatment to target the source of pain in the spine.

In the study "Bilateral Targeted Segmental Artery Lidocaine-dexamethasone Infusion for Refractory Thoracolumbar Pain: Preliminary Experience," researchers treated six patients by guiding a catheter through the femoral artery to blood vessels supplying the suspected source of pain and infusing lidocaine and dexamethasone directly into the affected area.

Patients reported an average pain score of 9.5 out of 10 before treatment and zero immediately afterward. The procedure also reduced patients' need for opioid pain medication, with two patients eliminating opioid use entirely during their hospital stay. The pain scores remained low three months after the procedure. Four patients even participated in physical therapy after the procedure, which they had been unable to tolerate pre-procedure due to pain.

"Neurointervention has transformed how we treat stroke, aneurysms and other diseases of the brain and spine. Now we're beginning to ask whether those same minimally invasive techniques can help patients living with severe pain," said Matias Costa, MD, lead author from the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch. "While we're still in the early stages, these findings suggest endovascular therapy could one day play a role in reducing pain, improving function and decreasing reliance on opioids."

The findings represent an early milestone in the line of research in endovascular neurosurgery for pain. Further studies are needed to determine efficacy.

To receive a copy of the abstract or to speak with the study authors, please contact Camille Jewell at [email protected] or 202-248-5460.