BACKGROUND: We describe the successful use of bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the cervical medial branches in a patient with a deep brain stimulator (DBS).

CASE REPORT: The patient had Parkinson’s disease that was well controlled with DBS and presented with chronic right-sided neck pain. After 2 positive diagnostic medial branch blocks at C3-C5, he was considered for RFA. However, given the risk of damaging the DBS system with standard monopolar RFA near the cervical spine, we used bipolar RFA with paired electrodes at each level. The patient experienced complete resolution of his neck pain without disrupting his DBS function.

CONCLUSION: Our case highlights a safe and effective alternative to monopolar ablation in patients with implanted neuromodulation devices and adds to the limited literature on bipolar RFA in the cervical spine.

KEYWORDS: Bipolar, cervical, deep brain stimulator, medial branches, neck pain, radiofrequency ablation