Neurostimulator placement in GI Clinic or in hospital

What is a Neurostimulator?

It is a device that may be used to stimulate the nerves that connect to your brain. It may help with pain and other symptoms. The device has a battery that is attached to 4 electrodes. The electrodes go into the skin are covered with stickers.

How is the Neurostimulator placed?

The device is placed by a doctor or nurse using special glue. You will wear it on one ear for 5 days. After 5 days, you will remove the device on your own. After it is off for 2 days, another device can be placed. This treatment often takes at least 4 weeks in a row.

Put on:

• Date ______________
• Time _____________

Take off:

• Date _______________
• Time _____________

How do I take care of the device?

Make sure the device and stickers stay in place. You can help keep them in place by doing the test that you were taught. Lightly touch the front and back stickers to be sure the stickers are still in place.

• Check:
  • every 3 to 4 hours while awake and wearing it.
  • when you wake up.
  • after you shower.
  • if it hurts by one of the electrodes.
  • if symptoms return.
  • Use the spare stickers to cover the stickers if they are loose. Bandaids or medical tape can be used, too.
• Keep the device and stickers dry. They are not waterproof. Do not get them wet.
• To wash your head or hair:
  • Cover the device and stickers with plastic wrap or a towel. Keep them covered when you wash.
  • Tilt the head away from the device side when you showering, washing and rinsing hair.

You can keep doing your activities like going to school and playing most sports. Do not swim or put your head under the water.

Talk to your doctor if you will have a test or procedure done while wearing the device. This includes MRI or a surgery. Most are safe to do with the device on. But some use special tools, like cautery. The device would need to be disconnected or removed.

How do I take the device off?

• The device can be removed at home.
• Remove the device exactly five days after the device is placed.
  • Example: If the device was placed on Tuesday at 3 pm, you should remove it on Sunday at 3 pm.
• Remove the stimulator by pulling off the stickers. This will also pull the stimulator from the back of your ear.
• You may wash the area after the device is off.
• Put the stimulator in the biohazard bag provided. Drop the bag in a sharps container. If you do not have a sharps container, bring it back to your next appointment.

What if my device was placed in the hospital?

• After the device is on for 5 days and off for 2 days, your next device can be placed.
  • If you are still in the hospital at this time, a nurse will place the next device.
  • Any device placed while in the hospital is covered by your insurance under your hospital stay.
• When you are discharged from the hospital, your insurance needs to approve any future devices.
  • Our Financial Department will talk to your insurance company. This can take some time. It is possible you may not have another device put on for a few weeks. This is okay.
  • If your insurance approves the device, the Financial Department will call you. They will tell you how to schedule appointments in the GI Clinic for future device placement.
  • If your insurance company does not approve the device, the Financial Department will call you. They will help you with next steps. 

For any insurance related questions, including device cost, payment, approval status and more, please call Financial Clearance at (414) 266-6787.