COVID-19: NSUKI Recommendations for the Management of ITDD and Implanted Neurostimulation during the pandemic

The Faculty is pleased to support the recommendations issued by the Neuromodulation Society UK & Ireland (NSUKI) regarding the management of implanted neurostimulation & Intrathecal drug delivery devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to highlight that these recommendations are relevant for the general management of neuromodulation devices during this time, as well as for implanting units responsible for the management of these patients. 

Intrathecal and implantable neuromodulation devices are increasingly used in pain management and as such, patients with these devices may present during the COVID-19 pandemic as they and require regular review. 

It is important that the unit responsible for reviewing a patient with an Intrathecal drug delivery device (ITDD) is made aware if one of their patients is admitted with COVID-19.

Acknowledging that this is just one of many challenges that pain services are facing during this pandemic, we have developed an Evolving challenges hub, gathering information and guidance to support services in their local decision-making.