Spinal cord stimulation for refractory angina pectoris: a shocking experience.

Area of Science:

• Neuromodulation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pain Management

Background:

• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a common treatment for chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome and failed back surgery syndrome.
• While generally safe, SCS complications such as infection and electrode migration are known.
• The potential for external electromagnetic interference with SCS devices has not been widely documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a patient experiencing altered spinal cord stimulation sensations.
• To investigate the potential impact of external electrical fields on active spinal cord stimulator function.
• To highlight a previously unrecognized complication of spinal cord stimulation therapy.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with a spinal cord stimulator.
• Observation of symptom exacerbation in proximity to a high-tension electrical substation.
• Deactivation of the spinal cord stimulator to assess symptom resolution.

Main Results:

• The patient reported significantly enhanced stimulation sensations in the SCS-treated area near an electrical substation.
• Symptoms resolved completely upon deactivation of the spinal cord stimulator.
• The findings suggest a direct correlation between the external electrical field and the altered stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Active spinal cord stimulators may be susceptible to interference from strong external electrical fields.
• This case highlights a potential environmental interaction with implanted neurostimulation devices.
• Further research is warranted to understand and mitigate electromagnetic interference in SCS patients.