The Beneficial Effect of Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Patient With Severe Cerebral Ischemia and Upper Extremity Ischemic Pain

Authors: De Andrés, Jose; Tatay, Jose¹; Revert, Amparo²; Valía, J. C.¹; Villanueva, V.³

Source: Pain Practice, Volume 7, Number 2, June 2007 , pp. 135-142(8)

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Abstract:

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used in the treatment of chronic pain, ischemia because of obstructive arterial disease, and anginal pain. Recently, a number of studies have described the effects of the high cervical SCS, including increased cerebral blood flow, although the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

This case report describes a patient with a severe complex ischemic condition affecting both cerebral and upper limb blood flow with an associated complex regional pain syndrome in upper limb. While all previous clinical treatments proved ineffective, cervical SCS afforded satisfactory results. Possible mechanisms underlying the cervical SCS effect are discussed.

Keywords: spinal cord stimulation; cerebral blood flow; ischemic pain

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-2500.2007.00121.x

Affiliations: 1: Staff Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesia. Multidisciplinary Pain Management Department, General University Hospital; 2: Resident in Training Fourth Year, Department of Radiology, General University Hospital; 3: Staff Multidisciplinary Pain Management Department, General University Hospital, Valencia, Spain

Publication date: 2007-06-01