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Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of refractory painful polineuropathy induced by chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Painful polyneuropathy after chemotherapy is often refractory to conservative clinical treatment. The objective of this report was to demonstrate that spinal cord stimulation is an alternative to conventional methods used in the treatment of patients with pain that is difficult to control. CASE REPORT: A 72 year old patient with painful polyneuropathy after chemotherapy approximately 10 years ago, presented severe, continuous, daily pain (visual analog scale = 10) in the lower limbs despite the use of several drugs specific for neuropathic pain. An epidural electrode was implanted, with significant improvement in pain (visual analog scale = 3) and reduction in the consumption of medication. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord stimulation constitutes a therapeutic option in patients with peripheral neuropathy refractory to conventional clinical management when properly indicated and within established criteria.

ANALGESIA; PAIN, Chronic


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