Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
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BACKGROUND: For decades, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used for the treatment of chronic pain. While the complications of SCS have been well documented in the literature, less of a focus has been placed on neurological complications. CASE REPORT: While SCS is commonly used for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), this case details acute CRPS that is believed to be caused by a spinal cord stimulator trial. The patient was treated with early physical therapy and lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks which provided symptomatic relief. CONCLUSION: Although rare, SCS can lead to long-term complications. Unexpected complications may occur during an SCS trial. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the patient with the best opportunity to achieve a good outcome. KEY WORDS: Case report, complex regional pain syndrome, spinal cord stimulator
