The Aarhus Neuromodulation Database

Neuromodulation. 2013 Nov-Dec;16(6):506-13; discussion 513. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2012.00492.x. Epub 2012 Aug 6.

Abstract

Objectives: €‚ Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly gaining widespread use as a treatment for chronic pain. A widely used electronic registry could play a pivotal role in improving this complex and cost-€intensive treatment. We aimed to construct a comprehensive, universally available data base for SCS.

Materials and methods: €‚ The design considerations behind a new online data base for SCS are presented; basic structure, technical issues, research applications, and future perspectives are described.

Results: €‚ The Aarhus Neuromodulation Database covers core SCS treatment parameters, including procedure-€related details and complications, and features recording of key success parameters such as pain intensity, work status, and quality of life. It combines easy access to patient information with exhaustive data extraction options, and it can readily be adapted and expanded to suit different needs, including other neuromodulation treatment modalities.

Conclusions: €‚ We believe that the data base described in this article offers a powerful and versatile data collection tool suited for both clinicians and researchers in the field. The basic data base structure is immediately available on a no€-cost basis, and we invite our colleagues to make use of the data base as part of the efforts to further the field of neuromodulation.

Keywords: Data base; electrical stimulation therapy; neuromodulation; registry; spinal cord stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Computer Security
  • Databases, Factual*
  • Denmark
  • Employment
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia / therapy*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Pain Measurement
  • Quality of Life
  • Software
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation* / adverse effects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Analgesics