Neurologic Injury After Sacral Neuromodulation
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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Published on: August 1, 2025
Angela S Yuan, Jorge L Almodovar1, Elisabeth Erekson
1Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Manchester.
Objective:
Neurologic injury after sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is rare, but the incidence is unknown. Infection is a potential mechanism for neurologic damage. This report illustrates the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and treatment of epidural infection causing neurologic deficits after SNS.
Case Report:
We present a case of a woman with severe fecal incontinence due to Crohn's disease who underwent SNS implantation and subsequently developed a wound infection requiring complete device explantation. A few days later, she presented with leg pain and weakness. Urgent evaluation and treatment of epidural infection were performed. She had persistent neurologic deficits 6 months later.
Conclusions:
Neurologic sequelae from an infection after SNS are a rare event and should be considered in patients with fevers, leg pain, and neurologic deficits.
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