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Case Reports
. 2011 Jan;14(1):34-6; discussion 36-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2010.00313.x. Epub 2010 Nov 4.

Spinal cord injury induced by a cervical spinal cord stimulator

Steven Falowski  1 , Yinn Cher Ooi, Arvind Sabesan, Ashwini Sharan
Affiliations
Case Reports

Spinal cord injury induced by a cervical spinal cord stimulator

Steven Falowski et al. Neuromodulation. 2011 Jan.

Abstract

Objective: The use of cervical spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of refractory neck and upper extremity pain is widely accepted and growing in use as a treatment modality. This case highlights a previously unreported potential complication of spinal cord stimulators.

Methods: Analysis of a patient with a cervical spinal cord stimulator presenting with a spinal cord injury. Patient was followed from presentation in the emergency room until 1-year follow-up in the office.

Results: The patient in this case presented after a fall and sustained a cervical spinal cord injury induced by the electrodes of her spinal cord stimulator working as a space occupying mass.

Conclusion: As more patients are undergoing implantation of spinal cord stimulators we must be aware of the long-term risks that can be encountered.

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Comment in

  • Post hoc ergo propter hoc?
    North RB. North RB. Neuromodulation. 2011 Sep-Oct;14(5):485. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2011.00401.x. Neuromodulation. 2011. PMID: 21967535 No abstract available.

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