Spinal cord stimulator for the treatment of central neuropathic pain secondary to cervical syringomyelia: illustrative case.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-8-2022
Identifier
DOI: 10.3171/CASE22226
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Central neuropathic pain (CNP) of the cervical and/or thoracic spinal cord has many etiologies, both natural and iatrogenic. Frequently, CNP is medically refractory and requires surgical treatment to modulate the perception of pain. Spinal cord stimulation is a modality commonly used in adults to treat this type of refractory pain; however, it is rarely used in the pediatric population.
OBSERVATIONS: The authors reported a case involving a common pediatric condition, Chiari malformation type I with syrinx, that led to a debilitating complex regional pain syndrome. The associated life-altering pain was successfully alleviated following placement of a spinal cord stimulator.
LESSONS: CNP, or the syndromic manifestations of the pain (complex regional pain syndrome), can alter an individual's life in dramatic ways. Spinal cord stimulator placement in carefully selected pediatric patients should be considered in these difficult pain treatment paradigms.
Journal Title
J Neurosurg Case Lessons
Volume
4
Issue
6
Keywords
Chiari I malformation; central neuropathic pain; cervical syrinx; complex regional pain syndrome; spinal cord stimulator; syringomyelia
Recommended Citation
Schatmeyer BA, Dodin R, Kinsman M, Garcia D. Spinal cord stimulator for the treatment of central neuropathic pain secondary to cervical syringomyelia: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2022;4(6):CASE22226. Published 2022 Aug 8. doi:10.3171/CASE22226
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