Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is conventionally placed at either cervical or thoracic spinal regions to treat chronic pain. However, for patients with multiarea pain, concomitant cervical and thoracic SCS (ctSCS) may be necessary to provide sufficient coverage. It remains unknown whether ctSCS is effective and safe. Thus, we aimed to survey the existing literature and assess the efficacy and safety of ctSCS. ⋯ Despite the limited evidence available, ctSCS seems to be effective and generally well tolerated. The dearth of relevant primary literature illustrates a knowledge gap, and future studies are needed to better clarify the efficacy and safety profile of this SCS variant.
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Spinal cord stimulation is an important therapy option for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain of spinal or peripheral etiology. As with any implantable device, complications may arise. These must be promptly identified and managed to maintain patients in successful therapy. ⋯ Lead migration is one of the most common complications of spinal cord stimulation, and left untreated can lead to loss of therapy and possible device explant. A strategy for correcting this issue is needed, and we present an unusual case to consider when faced with a loss of therapy from lead migration.