Services
Device Troubleshooting & Revision
Evaluation, reprogramming, and — when needed — surgical revision for patients with an existing spinal cord stimulator, DRG/peripheral nerve stimulator, or intrathecal pain pump.
In short — Patients with an existing spinal cord stimulator, DRG or peripheral nerve stimulator, or intrathecal pain pump — including devices placed elsewhere — are evaluated for lost relief, new pain, alarms, or infection signs. Care starts with reprogramming and imaging to confirm lead placement, and moves to surgical revision — battery, lead, or scar-tissue work — if needed.
What is device troubleshooting and revision?
Troubleshooting and revision are considered when patients experience loss of pain relief, new pain, device alarms or signs of infection. Issues may include lead migration, battery depletion or hardware malfunction.
Who is a candidate?
Anyone with an implanted spinal cord stimulator, DRG stimulator, peripheral nerve stimulator or intrathecal pain pump experiencing inadequate relief or device problems may require evaluation.
How does it work?
A pain specialist will re-program the device and evaluate battery status, obtain imaging to confirm lead placement and order lab work to rule out infection.
What does a device check or revision involve?
If re-programming fails, surgical revision may involve replacing the battery, repositioning or replacing leads, or addressing scar tissue.
What is recovery like?
Revision is usually outpatient; patients can resume light activity within a few days but should avoid heavy exertion for several weeks.
What are the risks?
Risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Cerebrospinal-fluid leak
- Nerve injury
- Continued pain
Does insurance cover it?
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary troubleshooting and revision when documentation shows device malfunction or loss of efficacy.
Trusted resources
Learn more from these independent medical sources:
- International Neuromodulation Society — Spinal Cord Stimulation
- International Neuromodulation Society — Intrathecal (Intraspinal) Drug Delivery
Related care
Conditions and treatments connected to this page, all provided by Dr. Eaddy:
- Spinal Cord Stimulation — reversible neuromodulation with a try-first trial
- Targeted Drug Delivery (Pain Pump) — precise low-dose medication delivered where it's needed
- DRG Stimulation — focal stimulation for pain in a specific area
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation — targeted relief for single-nerve pain
Ready to talk about your pain?
Call the office for an appointment, or send a question online — office staff will respond by phone during business hours.
Call (904) 453-7976 Send a questionMessages only / callback line: (813) 397-3047
Medically reviewed by Kenneth J. Eaddy, MD · Last reviewed: July 5, 2026