Dorsal root ganglion stimulation for treatment of central post-stroke pain in the lower extremity following medullary infarction.

ABSTRACT: We report a case of relief in central post-stroke pain (CPSP) of the lower extremity by stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG).CPSP is a poorly understood and even more poorly managed condition that can greatly impact the quality of life. To our knowledge, this investigation is the first to describe the successful treatment of previously intractable chronic pain caused by stroke using DRG stimulation. Noting the anatomical structures and the physiological function, the efficacy of DRG stimulation in CPSP could be explained in a neurophysiological manner. This clinical observation successfully builds on the existing understanding around the pathophysiology of central pain and offers the possibility of non-drug therapy for the treatment of this often refractory chronic pain syndrome.