New-Onset Tinnitus After Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator Implantation: A Case Report

Mark P Pressler; Brian Brenner; Lynn R Kohan; Andrew M Mendelson

doi:10.1213/XAA.0000000000001747

New-Onset Tinnitus After Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator Implantation: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2024 Feb 28;18(3):e01747. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001747. eCollection 2024 Mar 1.

Authors

Mark P Pressler¹, Brian Brenner¹, Lynn R Kohan^{1

2}, Andrew M Mendelson^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
² Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Pain Management Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.

PMID: 38416112
DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001747

Abstract

Dorsal column (dcSCS) and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) complications are similar, typically related to placement and device failure. We present the first case of tinnitus after DRG-S implantation. The patient presented with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 2. After previous failed treatments, she had a lumbosacral DRG-S trial, which provided relief; however, she briefly noted ringing in her ears. After permanent implantation, she reported persistent, intolerable left-sided tinnitus. Tinnitus can be modulated by secondary somatosensory inputs to the cochlear nucleus from the dcSCS. Therefore, lumbosacral DRG-S stimulating distal sensory neurons leading to tinnitus is a feasible complication.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Female
Ganglia, Spinal
Humans
Spinal Nerve Roots
Tinnitus* / etiology
Tinnitus* / therapy