Spontaneous resolution of nausea induced by spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used for treatment of pain arising from a variety of pathologies. Reported sideeffects related to SCS are most commonly technical complications including malfunction, lead migration, or severance. Up to date, only a few cases of gastrointestinal side-effects have been reported. Materials and Methods: A 54-year-old man with a 20-year history of low back pain developed persistent and refractory nausea following spinal cord stimulator implantation. Results: The nausea resolved spontaneously within eight weeks allowing continued use of the spinal cord stimulator. Conclusions: In this case report, we described the uncommon side-effect of nausea because of SCS that resolved over time allowing continued neurostimulation therapy in a patient with arachnoiditis and failed lumbar back surgery syndrome. We encourage other providers to report similar cases to help elucidate the mechanism of these seemingly underreported side-effects to allow continuation of the therapeutic effects of SCS. © 2010 International Neuromodulation Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Kevin Vorenkamp Anesthesiology, Pain Management