Current Evidence Lacking to Guide Clinical Practice for Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of the Literature and a Proposal for Future Study

Pain Practice ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marissa L. Dombovy‐Johnson ◽  
Christine L. Hunt ◽  
Melissa M. Morrow ◽  
Tim J. Lamer ◽  
Thomas P. Pittelkow
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiaki Yamada ◽  
Aiko Maeda ◽  
Katsuyuki Matsushita ◽  
Shoko Nakayama ◽  
Kazuhiro Shirozu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently complain of intractable pain that is resistant to conservative treatments. Here, we report the successful application of 1-kHz high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in a patient with refractory neuropathic pain secondary to SCI. Case presentation A 69-year-old male diagnosed with SCI (C4 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A) presented with severe at-level bilateral upper extremity neuropathic pain. Temporary improvement in his symptoms with a nerve block implied peripheral component involvement. The patient received SCS, and though the tip of the leads could not reach the cervical vertebrae, a 1-kHz frequency stimulus relieved the intractable pain. Conclusions SCI-related symptoms may include peripheral components; SCS may have a considerable effect on intractable pain. Even when the SCS electrode lead cannot be positioned in the target area, 1-kHz high-frequency SCS may still produce positive effects.


2010 ◽  
Vol 4;13 (4;7) ◽  
pp. 357-363
Author(s):  
Clark Smith

Background: Spinal cord injury has been reported as a rare complication of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). A review of the literature shows a very low incidence of neurological injury after spinal cord stimulation trial, implantation and revision. The most common reported complication is equipment failure without neurologic injury. The incidence of spinal cord injury after SCS trial, implantation and revision is unknown. There have been limited reports of neurologic injury secondary to dural puncture, infection, cord contusion, actual needle penetration of the spinal cord and epidural hematoma. Study Design: A report of 4 cases. Objective: To report 4 occurrences of neurological complication after spinal cord stimulator implantation. Methods: Four patients are presented who were admitted to an acute spinal cord rehabilitation hospital over a 4-month period. All 4 patients presented with paraparesis after spinal cord stimulator trial or implantation. One of the injuries is secondary to cord contusion, while the other 3 are secondary to cord compressions. Two of these compressions are due to epidural hematomas and one secondary to implantation in the setting of broad based thoracic disc herniations. The clinical cases are presented as well as a review of the literature. Results: All 4 patients had the electrodes and neurostimulators successfully removed prior to their acute rehabilitation admissions. At discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation, one patient continued to experience complete paraplegia, 2 patients had incomplete paraparesis and one had fully recovered all of his neurologic function. Conclusion: SCS is considered a safe procedure. Further investigation into the true incidence of neurologic injury after SCS is warranted. Key words: spinal cord stimulation, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, pain, epidural hematoma, cord contusion, disc herniation


Author(s):  
Andrew D. Gaudet ◽  
Laura K. Fonken ◽  
Monica T. Ayala ◽  
Steven F. Maier ◽  
Linda R. Watkins

Spinal Cord ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz Leitner ◽  
Shawna McCallin ◽  
Thomas M. Kessler

AbstractBacterial infections are the leading cause of death in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that solely infect and kill bacteria. The idea of using phages to treat bacterial infections, i.e., phage therapy, is very promising and potentially allows a more specific and personalized treatment of bacterial infections than antibiotics. While multi-drug resistant infections affect individuals from the general population, alternative therapeutic options are especially warranted in high-risk populations, such as individuals with SCI. However, more clinical data must be collected before phage therapy can be implemented in clinical practice, with numerous possible, subsequent applications.


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