Allergic reaction to spinal cord stimulator.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to report on the possibility of allergic reaction to the components of a spinal cord stimulator.


METHODS
We describe a severe allergic reaction after the insertion of a spinal cord stimulator in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome type 1.


METHODS
The patient was being followed in an office-based pain management practice.


METHODS
The patient is a 41-year-old woman with complex regional pain syndrome type 1, posttrauma.


METHODS
Insertion of a cervical and lumbar spinal cord stimulator.


METHODS
The outcome measures were a numerical scale of pain intensity and the ability to perform the activities of daily living.


RESULTS
Adequate pain control complicated by allergic reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
There exists a possibility that a patient may experience an allergic reaction to spinal cord stimulator components. Recognition of such contact sensitivity is important for physicians implanting such devices. Patients may be misdiagnosed as having infections, which can delay appropriate management; definitive diagnosis can be confirmed with a patch test. Treatment consists of removal of such devices.
Ochani
T D
TD
Anesthesiology Pain Management Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10467, USA. tochani@aol.com
Almirante
J
J
Siddiqui
A
A
Kaplan
R
R
D000328:Adult; D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation