Lumbar Sympathetic Block for the Treatment of Intractable Erythromelalgia: A Case Report

Erythromelalgia is a rare pain disorder, which causes hyperperfused, red, and painful extremities. Symptoms can be so extreme that patients often resort to soaking their limbs in ice-cold water for hours on end and socially isolating themselves to avoid triggering an episode. Treatment is challenging, as many cases are refractory to medical management, which is first line. Invasive procedures are typically trialed next, some of which are still considered experimental.

We describe a case of a 26-year-old woman with erythromelalgia, who remained symptomatic despite extensive pharmacologic therapy. Long-term relief was achieved following a lumbar sympathetic block.

Our case highlights the lumbar sympathetic block as a potentially effective treatment for erythromelalgia, especially in cases that are refractory to standard therapy.