Cervical epidural abscess due to implantation of a spinal cord stimulation lead

Abstract

Abstract Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for intractable pain syndromes has become a pillar of modern pain management. Common complications include lead migration, implant infection, cerebral spinal fluid leak, and lead fracture. Spinal epidural abscess due to spinal cord stimulator implantation is a very rare occurrence with only two cases reported in the literature so far. We present an illustrative case and discuss the pathophysiology and best clinical management for this very rate entity.

Keywords

• implant infection
• spinal cord stimulation
• spinal epidural abscess