Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain originating from Lyme disease.

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is a relatively common outcome of Lyme disease. Pain management options for these patients have been limited to pharmaceutical treatments.

OBJECTIVE

We present a case of chronic pain following Lyme disease treated successfully using spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Pain management clinic.

METHODS

A 62-year-old patient presented with a 5-year history of bilateral foot pain following Lyme disease that failed to respond to medication and physical therapy. The patient was treated by a trial of SCS at the clinic and then implanted with a spinal cord stimulator. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed pain before and after SCS.

RESULTS

The patient reported significant pain relief and improved foot function. The 10 point VAS score was reduced from 8-10 to 1-3.

LIMITATIONS: Single case report.

CONCLUSION

Spinal cord stimulation may be an effective option for relieving chronic pain originating from Lyme disease.