Ep. 40 Innovating Pain Management: The Role of Spinal Cord Stimulators in Outpatient Care with Dr. Douglas Beall

In this episode, guest host Dr. Dana Dunleavy and guest Dr. Douglas Beall delve into the transformative potential of neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic pain, particularly for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Dr. Beall is an interventional musculoskeletal radiologist practicing at Oklahoma Spine in Edmond, Oklahoma. Dr. Beall recounts his journey, from his beginnings in the military to his experiences with navigating institutional resistance to his clinical practice, and finally the process of moving to private practice. He discusses the positive impact of spinal cord stimulation on patients with PDN and reflects on its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving neurologic function. He underscores the crucial role of interventional radiologists in managing PDN, while also advocating for the integration of these specialists in pain management clinics. Dr. Beall argues that interventional radiologists possess unique skill sets adept for neuromodulation, which opens up new treatment possibilities in the process. He shares insights on the evolution of spinal cord stimulation technology, reimbursement considerations, and the importance of clinical trials in refining treatment approaches. The episode ends with an invitation for interested physicians to participate in professional forums and learn more about this burgeoning field. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Nevro HFX Spinal Cord Stimulator https://www.hfxforpdn.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:30 - Challenges and Triumphs of a Solo Practice 14:44 - Evolution of Neuromodulation in Practice 17:05 - Impact of Neuromodulation on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy 31:53 - Unique Mechanism of High Frequency Neuromodulation 46:02 - Role of Interventional Radiologists in Neuromodulation 54:11 - Future of Neuromodulation in Interventional Radiology --- RESOURCES Douglas Beall, MD Research Gate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Douglas-P-Beall-39583252 Long-term efficacy of high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: 24-Month results of a randomized controlled trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37536514/ High-Frequency 10-kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Refractory Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 12-Month Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9256824/ Neuromodulation Interventions for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-022-01035-9 High-frequency spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: design of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SENZA-PDN): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13063-019-4007-y