Recurrent pain of a pseudotabetic variety after laminectomy for lumbar disc lesion.

A variety of pain resembling the lightning pains of tabes dorsalis is described in patients suffering from persistent sciatica, following laminectomy for lumbar disc disease. It occurs in about 13% of those complaining of post-laminectomy pain and in 5% of all those having a laminectomy for disc disease. It is associated with damage to the nerve root and may be precipitated by nerve root resection. About half the patients may get some relief from carbamazepine or clonazepam and the syndrome shows a tendency to improve gradually over three to five years.