1. 2012;15;511-514Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Originating from Lyme Disease
   Case Report
   Yuan Shui, MD, Wei Tao, MD, Dong Huang, MD, Yongjie Li, MD, and Bifa Fan, MD.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is a relatively common outcome of Lyme disease. Pain management options for these patients have been limited to pharmaceutical treatments.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of chronic pain following Lyme disease treated successfully using spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.

SETTING: Pain management clinic.

METHODS: A 62-year-old patient presented with a 5-year history of bilateral foot pain following Lyme disease that failed to respond to medication and physical therapy. The patient was treated by a trial of SCS at the clinic and then implanted with a spinal cord stimulator. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed pain before and after SCS.

RESULTS: The patient reported significant pain relief and improved foot function. The 10 point VAS score was reduced from 8-10 to 1–3.

LIMITATIONS: Single case report.

CONCLUSION: Spinal cord stimulation may be an effective option for relieving chronic pain originating from Lyme disease.