Deep Brain Stimulation and Motor Cortical Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an important treatment option for neuropathic pain. DBS has a considerable history, and it can be used successfully for a wide number of pain syndromes. Epidural motor cortex stimulation (MCS) also is a treatment option for neuropathic pain. Less invasive than DBS, MCS has been rapidly adopted and studied since first described in 1991. A growing body of literature supports the use of MCS for facial pain, though further study to better define the mechanism of action and the most appropriate patient populations is ongoing.