[A case of radiculitis induced by spinal cord electrical stimulation by a percutaneously inserted needle]

Spinal cord electrical stimulation was performed by a percutaneously inserted needle for causalgia of the right upper limb. The end of electrode was positioned along a line extending down the 5th vertebral body in the vicinity of the right 6th cervical nerve root, after which it was permanently implanted following confirmation of desensitizing effects. Although the patient later returned to normal life without requiring any ancillary medication, beginning after a period of roughly six months, the pain suddenly began to increase when stimulated. When stimulated by extracting the electrode 1 cm under fluoroscopic guide, the irritation was relieved somewhat. As radiculitis of 6th cervical nerve was suspected, selective radicular block of 6th cervical nerve was performed. After selective radicular block, the patient's complaint diminished. Based on the above findings, we consider that the physical stimulation caused by the electrode in contact with the nerve root brought about inflammation of the 6th cervical nerve root. This patient was then treated by removing the causative stimulation and selective radicular block of affected nerve, the details of which are reported.