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Acute Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
Akash Jindal1, Nicholas K Donohue1, Gwynne Kirchen1
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI.
Background:
For decades, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used for the treatment of chronic pain. While the complications of SCS have been well documented in the literature, less of a focus has been placed on neurological complications.
Case Report:
While SCS is commonly used for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), this case details acute CRPS that is believed to be caused by a spinal cord stimulator trial. The patient was treated with early physical therapy and lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks which provided symptomatic relief.
Conclusion:
Although rare, SCS can lead to long-term complications. Unexpected complications may occur during an SCS trial. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the patient with the best opportunity to achieve a good outcome.
