A case of potential treatment of remote pain after sacral nerve stimulation for chronic urinary retention

Clin J Pain. 2012 Jul;28(6):539-41. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e318238536a.

Abstract

Objective: A case is presented in which a 58-year-old man developed a potential unintended and durable treatment of pain at remote sites (cervical region and low back) after sacral nerve stimulation for chronic urinary retention.

Methods: Proper placement of the electrodes in the S3 foramen was confirmed by physiological response and fluoroscopy.

Results: Potential causality was shown by recurrent pain with the stimulators turned off and abatement of pain with the stimulators turned on.

Discussion: The current case presents a potential example of neurological crosstalk and highlights the inherent complexity in human neural physiology. Further research may reveal novel treatment strategies for patients with voiding dysfunction and chronic pain syndromes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Back Pain / etiology*
  • Back Pain / prevention & control*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck Pain / etiology*
  • Neck Pain / prevention & control*
  • Sacrum / innervation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Retention / complications*
  • Urinary Retention / rehabilitation*