Spinal cord stimulation and cauda equina syndrome: Could it be a valid option? A report of two cases

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) consists of the application of electrical stimuli to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord or to the posterior nerve roots in order to modulate the pain signals carried by the ascending pain pathways to the brain. Two cases of SCS in patients with cauda equina syndrome after lumbar surgery are presented. They were treated for persistent neuropathic pain but also experienced improvement in their motor and urinary symptoms after this treatment. Although the primary indication for SCS is neuropathic pain control, its application can also lead to improvement of motor deficits, sensory disorders, and urinary incontinence, as shown in these two cases. SCS will likely play a fundamental role in rehabilitative therapies in different neurological diseases. Further investigation in the field is needed.

Keywords: Bladder dysfunction; Case report; Cauda equina syndrome; Chronic pain; Disfunción vesical; Dolor crónico; Estimulación medular; Gait rehabilitation; Lesión medular; Neuroestimulación; Neurostimulation; Rehabilitación marcha; Reporte de caso; Spinal cord injury; Spinal cord stimulation; Síndrome de cauda equina.