The beneficial effect of spinal cord stimulation in a patient with severe cerebral ischemia and upper extremity ischemic pain

Pain Pract. 2007 Jun;7(2):135-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2007.00121.x.

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used in the treatment of chronic pain, ischemia because of obstructive arterial disease, and anginal pain. Recently, a number of studies have described the effects of the high cervical SCS, including increased cerebral blood flow, although the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This case report describes a patient with a severe complex ischemic condition affecting both cerebral and upper limb blood flow with an associated complex regional pain syndrome in upper limb. While all previous clinical treatments proved ineffective, cervical SCS afforded satisfactory results. Possible mechanisms underlying the cervical SCS effect are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Ischemia / complications
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Ischemia / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Pain / pathology
  • Pain / surgery*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord / radiation effects*
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods
  • Upper Extremity / physiopathology