Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain originating from Lyme disease

Abstract

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.