Case ReportSpinal Cord Injury Induced by a Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator
Section snippets
INTRODUCTION
The occurrence of traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) is reported to be between 10,000 and 12,000 cases per year. In general the usual mechanism of these injuries is motor vehicle collisions or high-speed events. We present a unique case where the mechanism of spinal cord injury was secondary to a previously implanted cervical spinal cord stimulator. The use of cervical spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of refractory neck and upper extremity pain is widely accepted and growing in use
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient, a 53-year-old woman, had chronic neck and bilateral upper extremity pain after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in 1993. She underwent an anterior cervical decompression and fusion from C5-7 in 1995 for cervical stenosis after failing medical management. This resulted in only partial relief. In January 1999 she underwent placement of a cervical spinal cord stimulator (radio frequency Medtronic system), which was subsequently replaced with an implantable system (Medtronic
DISCUSSION
The patient in this case presented after a fall and sustained a cervical spinal cord injury. Initial presentation was consistent with a complete cord injury and C6 level exam. However, it became more apparent in the post-operative period that her injury and recovery was more consistent with a central cord injury. Schneider et al. defined a central cord injury as “disproportionately more motor impairment of the upper than of the lower extremities, bladder dysfunction, usually urinary retention,
Authorship Statements
Dr. Falowski and Dr. Sharan designed and conducted the study, including chart analysis, preparation, and patient follow-up. Arvind Sabesan also helped with chart analysis. Dr. Falowski prepared the manuscript draft with assistance from Arvind Sabesan. All authors reviewed and analyzed the final submission.
How to Cite this Article:
Falowski S., Ooi Y.C., Sabesan A., Sharan A. 2010. Spinal Cord Injury Induced by a Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator. Neuromodulation 2011; 14: 34–37
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