Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Shocking Experience

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Shocking Experience
Issue online:
18 Oct 2004
To cite this article: Paul M. Murphy MB, MRCPI, FCARCSI, Roisin MacSullivan MD, FFARCSI, DP Med (2004)
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Shocking Experience
Neuromodulation 7 (4), 246Ò248.
doi:10.1111/j.1094-7159.2004.04209.x
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Paul M.Murphy, MB, MRCPI, FCARCSI; RoisinMacSullivanMD, FFARCSI, DP MedDepartment of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesia and Pain medicine, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Dr. Roisin MacSullivan, Division of Anesthesia, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St, Dublin 7, Ireland. Email: romacs@circom.net.
Key Words: angina pectoris, high-tension electric field, spinal cord stimulation.

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation has been extensively utilized in the treatment of conditions including complex regional pain syndrome, ischemic limb pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and angina pectoris. Recognized complications include infection, dural tap, and electrode movement. We report the case of a patient who experienced a sensation of extremely enhanced stimulation in the area covered by the spinal cord stimulator while in the vicinity of a high-tension electricity substation. Full resolution of symptoms occurred when the spinal cord stimulator was switched off, indicating that active stimulators may be susceptible to the effects of external electrical fields.

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