Spinal cord injury induced by a cervical spinal cord stimulator

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.