Programming Your Neurostimulator

Neurostimulation works by delivering mild electrical pulses to an area near your spine. Three factors determine how the therapy will feel.

Amplitude of the mild electrical pulse
Pulse width
Pulse rate

You can adjust these settings with your MyStim programmer to get the best therapy possible.

Your doctor may also create programming groups that are customized for a:

Specific activity
Pain area
Pain type

Using your MyStim programmer, you will then be able to choose a particular group and make adjustments to the settings of that group.

MyStim Programmer Overview

Your programmer communicates with your neurostimulator by sending signals to and receiving signals from the neurostimulator. “Synchronizing” establishes communication between the neurostimulator and your MyStim programmer. These two components must be properly communicating or in “sync” before you can make any stimulation changes.

ProgrammerPic

The chart below gives an overview of the kind of adjustments you can make to the stimulation levels, using your MyStim programmer.

	Amplitude is the strength or intensity of stimulation (the tingling sensation). Adjusting the amplitude higher and lower will allow you to select the intensity you prefer.
	Pulse Width is the duration of the pulse. By adjusting the pulse width, you will be able to change the quality of the tingling sensation.
	Rate is the frequency or number of pulses delivered each second. A lower rate may be felt as a tapping sensation, or your can increase the rate to make the stimulation feel smoother.

Using the MyStim Programmer with a Rechargeable Neurostimulator

The videos in this section demonstrate how to use the MyStim programmer with the RestoreUltra^® or RestoreAdvanced^® neurostimulator.

How to Use Your MyStim Programmer
This video gives an overview of the programmer and shows you how to use it.

How to Select and Activate Your Group Settings
If you have more than one group programmed on your neurostimulator, this video will help you understand how to switch from one group to another.

Understand the Warning Screens
This video helps you understand the warning and other information screens that may appear on your MyStim Programmer therapy screen.

Using the MyStim Programmer with a Non-rechargeable Neurostimulator:

The videos in this section demonstrate how to use the MyStim programmer with the PrimeAdvanced^® neurostimulator.

How to Use Your MyStim Programmer
This video gives an overview of the programmer and shows you how to use it.

How to Select and Activate Your Group Settings
If you have more than one group programmed on your neurostimulator, this video will help you understand how to switch from one group to another.

Understand the Warning Screens
This video helps you understand the warning and other information screens that may appear on your MyStim Programmer therapy screen.

If you have questions about programming your neurostimulator that are not answered in these videos, contact Medtronic Patient Services at (800) 510-6735 for assistance.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 15 Sep 2011