Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain: The Importance of Early Referral

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Acknowlegements

Krishna Kumar passed away on 23 April 2014 at the age 83. Well-known for his research in the treatment of chronic pain through spinal cord stimulation, Dr. Kumar built a distinguished career as an innovative neurosurgeon, pioneering neuromodulator, and tireless advocate for patients living with chronic pain. Dr Kumar was a prolific academic and earned numerous accolades including the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the International Neuromodulation Society’s Giant of Neuromodulation Award in 2011 for his work. As lead author of the seminal PROCESS trial, Dr. Kumar helped spinal cord stimulation gain the legitimacy it needed in both the scientific and public arenas and facilitated its transformation into an accepted, foundational therapy for chronic neuropathic pain. Empathetic and exceedingly kind, elegant and eloquent, Dr Kumar was never one to slow down, and was the quintessential gentleman. It has been a distinct privilege of mine to have enjoyed the brilliance of Dr. Kumar, his life and his work, for the past decade. Knowing Krishna has enriched my life and lives of many:

‘Every day you have to learn something. It is up to you, if you want to be ahead in the pack, the middle of the pack or behind in the race. You hold the key to your success. I want to be ahead in the race and I don’t care how far the next guy is behind me.’ –(K Kumar)

Financial & competing interests disclosure

K Kumar was a consultant for Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific and received fees and grants for consulting, being a steering committee member, and research funding for past projects. S Rizvi has no conflict of interest. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

K Kumar was a consultant for Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific and received fees and grants for consulting, being a steering committee member, and research funding for past projects. S Rizvi has no conflict of interest. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.