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Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation
Published on: June 26, 2018
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Can Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Be Healed by Transverse Myelitis?
Elisa Moreira1, Tiago Soares1, Rafaela Evangelista1
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tondela-Viseu Hospital Center, Viseu, PRT.
Cureus
|July 3, 2023
Summary
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) may be linked to longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). This case study shows LETM resolution improved FBSS pain, suggesting new treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Spinal Cord Disorders
Background:
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) presents persistent pain post-spinal surgery, with unclear pathophysiology and limited treatment efficacy.
- Current understanding of FBSS pain mechanisms is incomplete, hindering effective therapeutic strategies.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old female with FBSS and chronic pain despite multiple medications presented with an incomplete motor injury (ASIA D) at C4.
- Idiopathic longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) was diagnosed, initially unresponsive to high-dose corticosteroids.
Findings:
- Inpatient rehabilitation led to significant clinical improvement, including complete resolution of back pain.
- The patient's pain medication was discontinued, and functional independence was regained.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between LETM and FBSS, offering insights into FBSS pain mechanisms.
- Understanding LETM's role could reveal novel therapeutic targets for treating intractable FBSS pain.
