For patients in South Africa

Spinal cord stimulation in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Spinal cord stimulation treats chronic nerve pain with a small implanted device that sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, changing how pain signals reach the brain. It is usually considered after medication, physiotherapy, injections or earlier back surgery have not helped enough. For South African patients, the key planning question is who will check and adjust it once you are home.

How it is done

• Trial: thin electrodes are placed near the spinal cord and connected to an external stimulator for several days, so you can judge the effect during normal activities
• Permanent implant: if the trial works, permanent electrodes and a pulse generator are implanted, under sedation or anaesthesia depending on the case
• Programming: the system is tested and programmed to cover the painful areas before you leave

Many implants are done as day cases or short stays. Full details are on the spinal cord stimulation treatment page.

Who it may suit

• Chronic nerve-related pain lasting months or years, rather than purely muscular pain
• Pain that continues after spinal surgery (failed back surgery syndrome)
• Sciatica-related pain, peripheral neuropathy or complex regional pain syndrome
• People medically suitable for an implant, with realistic expectations

Assessment includes a neurological examination, a review of your MRI or CT scans, a pain assessment and a full list of previous treatments, surgeries and medication.

How long to stay, and the trip

Ask before booking whether the trial and the permanent implant can be planned within one stay or will need two trips, and how many days each part takes; the specialist decides. After the implant there are follow-up appointments in İzmir to check the wounds and adjust settings. Depending on the treatment plan, you may recover at Mandarin Grove. The specialist decides when you are fit to make the ten-hour flight home. Book a return ticket you can change.

Device details and programming at home

Settings are usually adjusted over the following weeks and months, and the battery eventually needs recharging or replacement, depending on the device. Before you book, find a pain specialist or neurosurgeon in South Africa willing to follow you up and able to work with the device you will receive. Ask us which device is planned so you can check this in advance.

• Take home the device make, model and serial numbers, the implant report and the programming settings
• Keep the patient ID card for the device with you, including on the flight, and show it at airport security
• Ask the specialist about MRI scans in future, since some devices limit them

In the first weeks, avoid heavy lifting and excessive bending or twisting so the leads stay in place. Remote follow-up continues by message and video call, and Turkey is only one hour ahead. Complications arising from treatment, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary, are covered for one year from the date of treatment by our treatment guarantee. If a claim is accepted, the treatment is carried out in İzmir by the treating team at no charge for that treatment, but flights and accommodation remain your responsibility, and the guarantee does not cover treatment by another provider after you return home.

Risks

Infection, bleeding, movement of the leads, device malfunction, nerve irritation, pain at the implant site and incomplete pain relief are possible, and some patients need a revision procedure. The system can usually be adjusted or removed.

See the spine surgery guide for South African patients and the orthopaedic surgery guide for South African patients for other options. Facts about the clinic are on the clinic facts page, and our complaints process explains how problems are handled.

What we will not do

We will not recommend a permanent implant before a specialist has reviewed you, we will not promise that your pain will go, and we will tell you plainly if you do not yet have a plan for who will follow up and programme the device in South Africa.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a trial before the permanent implant?

Most patients have a trial lasting several days with an external stimulator. A permanent system is implanted only if the trial gives enough relief.

Who will adjust my stimulator when I am back in South Africa?

Arrange a pain specialist or neurosurgeon at home before you book, and take full device details and programming settings with you. Remote follow-up with the treating team continues by message and video call.

Can I fly home with a spinal cord stimulator?

Yes, once the specialist says you are fit to fly. Carry the device ID card and show it at airport security.

Will spinal cord stimulation take my pain away completely?

It aims to reduce pain and improve daily function, not to remove the underlying condition. Results vary between patients.

Will my medical aid cover spinal cord stimulation in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes it. Ask both specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.