Spinal Cord Stimulator Causing Exaggerated Gastrocolic Reflex

摘要

A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable medical device used to treat various chronic pain conditions. This neurostimulation device is implanted into the epidural space and delivers low voltage electrical stimulation to the spinal cord or particular peripheral nerves in order to block the sensation of pain. It can be used to treat multiple chronic pain conditions including failed back syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and arachnoiditis. The implantation of the device is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure and there is limited literature available on overall complications. Reported complications included lead migration, infection, epidural hematoma, paralysis, dural puncture and in extremely rare cases, death. We present an unusual case of a 44 year old male with chronic low back pain, refractory to medical and interventional pain management, who underwent a spinal cord stimulator placement with an unexpected complication.