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SCS NICE Criteria — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePain MedicineSCS NICE CriteriaFRCA Final

A 55-year-old woman with neuropathic pain has trialled amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine, all at adequate doses for adequate durations, with insufficient relief. She is referred for spinal cord stimulation assessment. According to NICE TA159, what criteria must be met for SCS?

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Correct answer: E — Chronic neuropathic pain despite adequate conventional management AND psychological assessment confirming suitability

NICE TA159 recommends spinal cord stimulation for adults with chronic neuropathic pain (≥6 months duration) who have: (1) had an inadequate response to conventional medical management, (2) undergone successful psychological screening confirming no untreated psychological barriers to benefit, (3) had a successful trial stimulation period (typically 7-14 days), and (4) been assessed by a specialist pain management multidisciplinary team. SCS is cost-effective compared to conventional management alone at 15-year follow-up.

Reference: NICE – 2019 – TA159 Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain; Faculty of Pain Medicine – 2023 – SCS guidance