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Journal of Medical Case Reports
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case report

Spinal cord stimulation as a treatment for refractory neuropathic pain in tethered cord syndrome: a case report

Authors: Maarten Moens, Ann De Smedt, Jan D'Haese, Steven Droogmans, Cristo Chaskis

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

The spinal cord is a target for many neurosurgical procedures used to treat chronic severe pain. Neuromodulation and neuroablation are surgical techniques based on well-known specific anatomical structures. However, anatomical and electrophysical changes related to the tethered spinal cord make it more difficult to use these procedures.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian woman who had several surgical interventions for tethered cord syndrome. These interventions resulted in severe neuropathic pain in her lower back and right leg. This pain was treated by spinal cord stimulation using intra-operative sensory mapping, which allowed the cord's optimal placement in a more caudal position.

Conclusion

The low-voltage and more caudally placed electrodes are specific features of this treatment of tethered cord syndrome.
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Metadata
Title
Spinal cord stimulation as a treatment for refractory neuropathic pain in tethered cord syndrome: a case report
Authors
Maarten Moens
Ann De Smedt
Jan D'Haese
Steven Droogmans
Cristo Chaskis
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-4-74

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