Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Management: An Evaluation of the Risks and Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulator Use in Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

We present a case of a young woman diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) who underwent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation. She had 2 successful pregnancies following implantation.

DESIGN

We evaluated the electronic medical records of the patient following SCS implantation and while pregnant with her second and third children. A phone interview was conducted after her third pregnancy to discuss her experience with SCS use during and after pregnancy.

SETTING

Physical medicine and rehabilitation pain management clinic and obstetrician clinic, affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

SUBJECT

A 26-year-old woman with history of CRPS type I.

RESULTS

This 26-year-old woman was diagnosed with CRPS type I after left knee surgery. All conservative treatments had failed prior to her undergoing SCS implantation after the birth of her first child. SCS implantation brought near complete resolution of her symptoms. When she became pregnant with her second child, she turned off her SCS. Her CRPS symptoms intensified, but she had a normal pregnancy. She turned the SCS back on postpartum and elected to continue its use throughout her third pregnancy. She had a normal pregnancy, and her CRPS symptoms were well controlled. The patient and her children are currently healthy. Her SCS remains functional and effective.

CONCLUSION

Both an SCS and many medications used for pain management in CRPS could cause harm to both mother and fetus in pregnancy. Further research must be done to determine the safety and efficacy of SCS use in pregnancy.