|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

Spinal Cord Stimulator Complications

For patients who experience chronic back pain, a spinal cord stimulator may be recommended to diminish symptoms. According to eOrthopod.com, the surgically implanted spinal cord stimulator does not necessarily relieve all pain but has been shown to improve symptoms by 50 percent or greater. The device is installed via an incision in the back near the spine and works by interfering with electrical stimulations that cause pain in the body. As with all surgeries, the procedure to install a spinal cord stimulator is accompanied by risks that should be considered prior to surgery.

  1. Defective Device

    • The spinal cord stimulator consists of a transmitter, battery charger, pulse generator and leads that are placed on the nerves that are causing pain. In some instances, the device may fail and result in a defective lead or failure to recharge, which can lead to the reappearance of painful symptoms. If this occurs, further surgery is needed to remove the faulty device and replace it with a new one.

    Infection

    • Any procedure that requires incision or insertion of surgical instruments into the body allows the possibility for infection. Infection can occur in the deep tissues or bones of the body or even at the site of the incision itself, which is easier to treat than an infection inside the body. A patient should be given intravenous antibiotics during surgery. However, if infection occurs, the stimulator may need to be removed until the infection heals. Patients should be aware of symptoms such as fever as well as swelling, redness or drainage from the incision site that may be indicative of an infection.

    Nerve Damage

    • Because the implantation of the stimulator requires navigating delicate nerves in the spine, it is possible that nerves can be nicked or otherwise damaged during the procedure. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, pain or numbness in the body.

    Pneumothorax

    • The spinal cord stimulator insertion procedure requires the insertion of needles into the chest or upper back that can cause the lung to collapse. If this occurs during surgery, immediate action will be taken to restore function and shape to the lung.

    Spinal Fluid Leakage

    • The installation of an electrode wire site around the spinal fluid can result in a leakage of this fluid from around the epidural space, which is the outermost part outside the spinal canal. Symptoms such as a severe and long-lasting headache or feelings of fatigue can signal a fluid leak, which can heal on its own if mild or may require surgery to repair if more serious.

Back Pain - Related Articles