Spinal Cord Stimulation in Schwannomatosis: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Schwannomatosis can cause debilitating chronic pain.
• Refractory neuropathic pain poses significant treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic lower extremity pain in a patient with schwannomatosis.
• To explore expanded indications for advanced interventional pain procedures.

Main Methods:

• A 48-year-old female patient with schwannomatosis and refractory lower extremity pain underwent a percutaneous trial of SCS.
• Following a successful trial, permanent SCS implantation was performed.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved near-complete and sustained elimination of neuropathic pain post-permanent SCS implantation.
• The treatment was effective despite failure of previous surgical, interventional, and medical therapies.

Conclusions:

• Spinal cord stimulation can be a viable and effective treatment option for refractory neuropathic pain associated with schwannomatosis.
• Advanced interventional pain procedures like SCS may offer solutions for complex pain conditions beyond current indications.