Spinal Cord Injury Induced by a Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator

Objective: The use of cervical spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of refractory neck and upper extremity pain is widely accepted and growing in use as a treatment modality. This case highlights a previously unreported potential complication of spinal cord stimulators. Methods: Analysis of a patient with a cervical spinal cord stimulator presenting with a spinal cord injury. Patient was followed from presentation in the emergency room until 1-year follow-up in the office. Results: The patient in this case presented after a fall and sustained a cervical spinal cord injury induced by the electrodes of her spinal cord stimulator working as a space occupying mass. Conclusion: As more patients are undergoing implantation of spinal cord stimulators we must be aware of the long-term risks that can be encountered.