Comparison of narcotic pain control between stereotactic electrocorticography and subdural grid implantation

Abstract Introduction The choice of subdural grid (SDG) or stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) for patients with epilepsy can be complex and in some cases overlap. Comparing postoperative pain and narcotics consumption with SDG or sEEG can help develop an intracranial monitoring strategy. Materials and methods A retrospective study was performed for adult patients undergoing SDG or sEEG monitoring. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used for pain assessment. Types and dosage of the opioids were calculated by converting into milligram morphine equivalents (MME). Narcotic consumption was analyzed at the following three time periods: I. the first 24 h of implantation; II. from the second postimplantation day to the day of explantation; and III. the days following electrode removal to discharge. Results Forty-two patients who underwent SDG and 31 patients who underwent sEEG implantation were analyzed. After implantation, average NRS was 3.7 for SDG and 2.2 for sEEG (P  Conclusions Patients undergoing sEEG had significantly less pain and required fewer opiates compared with patients with SDG. These differences in perioperative pain may be a consideration when choosing between these two invasive monitoring options.