Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Other Complications

What rare complications of SCS have been reported?

Clinicians have reported foreign body reactions and adverse gastrointestinal, orthopedic, urinary tract system, and psychological effects.  Removal of the SCS system resolves these complications.

Strength of recommendation Evidence source(s)/rationale
N/A -- information only N/A -- see Bibliography for relevant literature

Foreign body reaction

Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, Eldabe S, Meglio M, Molet J, Thomson S, O’Callaghan J, Eisenberg E, Milbouw G, Buchser E, Fortini G, Richardson, J, North RB The effects of spinal cord stimulation in neuropathic pain are sustained: a 24-month follow-up of the prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial of the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation. Neurosurgery 63(4):762-768, 2008.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kemler MA, Barendse GA, Van Kleef M. Relapsing ulcerative colitis associated with spinal cord stimulation. Gastroenterology 117(1):215-217, 1999.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Barolat G, Schwartzman R, Woo R. Epidural spinal cord stimulation in the management of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 53(1):29-39, 1989.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Gastrointestinal and urinary tract adverse effects

Loubser PG. Adverse effects of epidural spinal cord stimulation on bladder function in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury pain. J Pain Symptom Manage 13(5):251-252, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kemler MA, Barendse GA, Van Kleef M. Relapsing ulcerative colitis associated with spinal cord stimulation. Gastroenterology 117(1):215-217, 1999.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Katz PG, Greenstein A, Severs SL, Zampieri TA, Sahni KS. Effect of implanted epidural stimulator on lower urinary tract function in spinal cord injured patients. Eur Urol 20:103-106, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Barbara G, De Giorgio R, Stanghellini V, Gionchetti P, Campieri M, Corinaldesi R. Relapsing ulcerative colitis after spinal cord stimulation: A case of intestinal neurogenic inflammation?. Gastroenterology 117(5):1256-1257, 1999.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Orthopedic adverse effects

Meyer F, Sandvoss G. Compound acetabulum fracture caused by overstimulation with a PISCES system [German]. Zentralbl Neurochir 51(3):174-175, 1990.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Abejón D, Reig E, del Pozo C, Contreras R, Insausti J. Dual spinal cord stimulation for complex pain: preliminary study. Neuromodulation 8(2):105-111, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Psychological adverse effects

Parisod E, Murray RF, Cousins MJ. Conversion disorder after implant of a spinal cord stimulator in a patient with a complex regional pain syndrome. Anesth Analg 96(1):201-206, 2003.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Han D, Connelly NR, Weintraub A, Kanev P, Solis E. Conversion locked-in syndrome after implantation of a spinal cord stimulator. Anesth Analg, 104(1):163-165 2007.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Ferrante FM, Rana MV, Ferrante MA. Conversion disorder mimicking Dejerine-Roussy syndrome (thalamic stroke) after spinal cord stimulation. Reg Anesth Pain Med 29(2):164-167, 2004.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Aló KM, Redko V, Charnov J. Four year follow-up of dual electrode spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. Neuromodulation 5(2):79-99, 2002.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Abejón D, Reig E, del Pozo C, Contreras R, Insausti J. Dual spinal cord stimulation for complex pain: preliminary study. Neuromodulation 8(2):105-111, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry