Bizarre Paranoid Delusions Associated With an Implanted Surgical Device

We describe a case involving bizarre paranoid delusions following implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator, and review the literature regarding psychotic symptoms related to surgical implants. A 64-year-old female developed bizarre paranoid delusions regarding a sacral nerve stimulator that had been implanted two years previously for dysfunctional voiding. The patient believed that the wires from the sacral nerve electrodes had grown up her spine and were affecting her vision as well as controlling her thoughts. The delusions developed in the setting of profound anxiety and feelings of loss after the death of her mother. The patient initially demanded that the implant be removed emergently. The delusions gradually abated as she adjusted to the loss of her mother. Fortunately the symptoms abated entirely with supportive care. We suspect that given the frequency of surgical implants that the association with delusional thoughts might be much higher than suggested by a literature review.