FDA Approves Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulators for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Two of Medtronic’s spinal cord stimulators are now FDA-approved for treating diabetes-related nerve pain.
In January 2022, the FDA expanded the use of Medtronic’s existing technologies, Intellis and Vanta, for treating nerve pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
DPN is a complication that affects approximately 30% of people with diabetes. It occurs when high glucose levels damage nerves in the extremities, such as the hands, legs, and feet. While the symptoms of DPN vary from person to person, many experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations that start at the toes or fingers and move upward. This initial sensation may progress over time, leading to severe pain.
Currently, treatments for diabetic neuropathy primarily consist of managing glucose levels and improving time in range, as well as certain medications to address pain. However, for many people with diabetes and DPN, these options may not be enough – especially given the side effects that come with currently available drugs for pain.
To address this gap in available treatment options for painful DPN, the FDA has approved two of Medtronic's existing neurostimulators: Intellis and Vanta.
What are Intellis and Vanta?
Both of these technologies are neurostimulators. Intellis is a rechargeable spinal cord stimulator that delivers higher doses of electrical stimulation, while Vanta is a recharge-free spinal cord stimulator that delivers weaker electrical pulses for years without requiring any charging. Although these devices were already approved for several chronic pain conditions, the FDA recently indicated that they can be used to treat pain from DPN as well.
These spinal cord stimulators are fully implanted in the body and work by stopping pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the painful symptoms often associated with DPN. Although this treatment does not address the underlying causes of or cure DPN, pain reduction can lead to significant improvements in quality of life.
Several studies have shown that these types of neurostimulators are effective in treating pain from DPN. In one study, people treated with spinal cord stimulation experienced reductions in pain, as well as improved health and quality of life compared to those not receiving the treatment. In a long-term follow-up study, 47% of people treated with spinal cord stimulation reported a 50% decrease in pain during the day; roughly 35% of people reported pain reduction overnight after 24 months.
Both Intellis and Vanta are already on the market – the recent FDA approval simply allows them to be used for treating pain from DPN as well as other neuropathic conditions. If you're struggling with chronic DPN, talk to your healthcare provider to see if this therapy could help.
Learn more about neuropathy and spinal cord stimulation here: