J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Feb;47(2):151-154. 10.3340/jkns.2010.47.2.151.

High-Level Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation Used to Treat Intractable Pain Arising from Transverse Myelitis Caused by Schistosomiasis

• Kim JK
• Hong SH
• Lee JK

• KMID: 1453149
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2010.47.2.151

Abstract

The efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for treatment of various chronic painful conditions is well established. Very few reports have documented the use of SCS for treatment of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. We present a case showing a good outcome after such treatment, and suggest that high cervical stimulation may be efficacious. A 53-year-old male underwent SCS on the C1-3 level for treatment of intractable neuropathic pain below the T3 level, and in the upper extremities, arising from spinal cord injury resulting from transverse myelitis caused by schistosomiasis. High cervical SCS significantly improved the pain in the upper extremities and at the T3-T10 dermatome level. The patient continues to report excellent pain relief 9 months later. The present case suggests that high cervical stimulation may improve chronic pain in the upper extremities and the T3-T10 dermatome level arising from spinal cord injury.

Keyword

Spinal cord stimulation; Schistosomiasis; Spinal cord injury; Transverse myelitis

MeSH Terms

Chronic Pain
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Myelitis, Transverse
Neuralgia
Pain, Intractable
Schistosomiasis
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Upper Extremity