Treatment of multifocal pain with spinal cord stimulation.

INTRODUCTION

We report a retrospective case study of combined treatment of cancer-related pain and chronic low back and lower extremity pain related to postlaminectomy syndrome (PLS) with one spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system.

METHODS

The patient underwent an uneventful SCS trial with percutaneous placement of two temporary eight-electrode leads (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN) placed at the level of T8-T9-T10 and T5-T6-T7.

RESULTS

After successful trial, he was implanted with permanent leads and generator, reporting sustained pain relief at 12-month follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

SCS is a trialable, reversible, and interactive therapy permitting patients to control the level of stimulation they feel based on their degree of pain.

CONCLUSION

SCS provides an effective, alternative treatment for select patients with cancer-related chest wall pain and pain related to PLS who have failed conservative treatment.