Fully Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Case Report. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Vu Q.C.; Bock, William C.; Groves, Christine C.; Whitney, Marybeth; Bennett, Maria E.; Lechman, Tina E.; Strother, Robert; Grill, Julie H.; Stager, Kathryn W.; Chae, John
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 94:Number 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Shoulder Pain -- Stroke -- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation -- Implant; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: This case report describes the first participant treated with a fully implantable, single-lead peripheral nerve stimulation system for refractory hemiplegic shoulder pain. During the 6-wk trial stage, a temporary lead was placed percutaneously near the terminal branches of the axillary nerve to the deltoid. The primary outcome measure was the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form Question 3, a 0–10 pain numeric rating scale. The participant experienced 75% pain reduction and proceeded to the implantation stage, where he received a single-lead, implantable pulse generator. After 3 wks, the participant became pain-free. However, 7 wks after implantation, the system was turned off because of an unrelated acute medical illness. Hemiplegic shoulder pain reemerged with a Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form Question 3 score of 9. After 11 wks of recovery, peripheral nerve stimulation was reinitiated and the participant became pain-free through the 9-mo follow-up. At 12 mos, Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form Question 3 score was 1. This case report demonstrates the feasibility of a single-lead, fully implantable peripheral nerve stimulation system for refractory hemiplegic shoulder pain.