Improved Motor Function in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Following Spinal Cord Stimulation

Clinical Case Reports, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.70032 · Published: January 1, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can severely impact a person's life, leading to loss of movement, pain, and other complications. This case report discusses how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) helped a patient regain some motor function and reduce pain. SCS involves placing electrodes near the spinal cord to deliver mild electrical impulses. While typically used for pain, recent studies suggest it might also improve motor function after a spinal cord injury. A 60-year-old male with a cervical spinal cord injury experienced reduced spasticity and pain in his right arm after SCS treatment. He was able to start doing exercises he couldn't do before, and he stopped needing pain medication.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One 60-year-old male

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

1
The patient experienced a 60% improvement in spasticity and a 50% improvement in mobility of his right upper extremity following SCS.
2
The patient reported complete alleviation of pain, rating it at 0 out of 10, which allowed for discontinuation of all analgesic medications.
3
Optimal function was achieved with a frequency of 2 Hz, a pulse width of 550 ms, and an intensity of 5 amps, which is not typically standard for SCI treatment.

Research Summary

This case report presents a 60-year-old male with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who experienced significant improvements in motor function, spasticity, and pain after receiving spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The patient, who had previously found minimal relief with other treatments, showed a 60% improvement in spasticity and a 50% improvement in mobility in his right upper extremity after SCS implantation and programming. The successful outcome of this case, particularly the complete alleviation of pain and the restoration of some motor function, suggests that SCS could be a valuable tool for enhancing functional recovery in patients with SCI.

Practical Implications

Spasticity Reduction

SCS can be considered as a potential therapy to reduce spasticity in SCI patients, especially when traditional treatments are ineffective.

Pain Management

SCS can provide significant pain relief in SCI patients, potentially leading to a reduction or elimination of analgesic medications.

Motor Function Improvement

SCS may enhance motor function and range of motion in SCI patients, improving their ability to perform daily activities.

Study Limitations

1
Single case report limits generalizability
2
Further research needed to determine optimal stimulation parameters
3
Long-term efficacy of SCS for spasticity and motor function needs further evaluation

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury