Short-term cervical spinal cord stimulation for central post-stroke pain: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Post-stroke central pain is disabling yet ineffectively treated with routine medical intervention. In this study we presented an alternative neuromodulation therapy and, conducted a brief narrative literature review to examine current evidence of spinal cord stimulation treatment for central post-stroke pain Case presentation: Here we reported a case of severe post-stroke syndrome, who achieved satisfactory improvement of pain symptom, as well as muscle rigidity with a novel neuromodulation therapy of short-term implantation of cervical spinal cord stimulation. Clinical discussion: It remains a great challenge in management of post-stroke pain, which in turn significantly reduces the quality of life and worsens the burden of public health system. Spinal cord stimulation therapy is an emerging neuromodulation approach to restore pathological pain status and functional impairment, to provide a prospective insight of neuromodulation and rehabilitation option in management of post-stroke syndrome. Conclusion: A potential role of spinal cord stimulation in treatment of post-stroke pain is proposed in combined with traditional medication or other neuromodulation strategy, to achieve better control of pain in the future.