Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Intractable Neuropathic Pain Following Post-Traumatic Lumbosacral Plexopathy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Lumbosacral plexopathy (LSP) is characterized by severe neuropathic pain, motor weakness, and sensory deficits in the lumbosacral plexus region, often leading to significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Post-traumatic LSP is particularly challenging to treat due to its neuropathic nature and limited response to conventional pharmacologic therapies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has shown therapeutic potential for chronic neuropathic pain.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 16-year-old female who developed LSP following multiple pelvic fractures and subsequently exhibited disabling pain, depressive symptoms, and poor quality of life. High-frequency motor cortex rTMS resulted in meaningful clinical improvement in pain intensity (an NRS reduction from 8 to 2), mood, and daily functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

This suggests the potential role of rTMS as an adjunctive treatment for refractory neuropathic pain secondary to traumatic LSP.