A Rare Complication of Spinal Cord Stimulator Insertion: Bilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a hopeful avenue for managing enduring, unrelenting chronic pain. In the span of four decades since its inception, SCS has evolved significantly in its technological components, patient screening, and physician expertise and preparation. However, SCS surgery remains susceptible to potential complications such as lead dislocation, infections, hardware malfunctions, and neurological deficits. In this narrative, we present an unusual complication resulting from SCS insertion. Materials / Methods: Written and verbal consent was given by the patient and a case report was carried out Results: We present a case report concerning a 65-year-old male patient with refractory chronic pain who developed bilateral abducens nerve palsy as a rare iatrogenic complication following the implantation of a spinal cord stimulation system. After an unsuccessful trial of conservative treatments and subsequent removal of the device, corrective strabismus surgery was undertaken, leading to effective symptom control.