Effect of spinal cord stimulation in Type I complex regional pain syndrome with 2 rare severe cutaneous manifestations

J Neurosurg. 2009 Feb;110(2):274-8. doi: 10.3171/2008.4.17506.

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 49-year-old female patient with complex regional pain syndrome-Type I (CRPSI) who was suffering from nonhealing wounds and giant bullae, which dramatically improved after spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The scientific literature concerning severe cutaneous manifestations of CRPS-I and their treatment is reviewed. Nonhealing wounds and bullae are rare manifestations of CRPS-I that are extremely difficult to treat. Immediate improvement of both wounds and bullae after SCS, such as in this case, has not been reported previously in literature. Considering the rapidly progressive nature of these severe skin manifestations, immediate treatment, possibly with SCS, is mandatory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen
  • Blister / etiology
  • Blister / therapy*
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Device Removal
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Dermatoses / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / therapy*
  • Reoperation
  • Skin / innervation*
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*