{"id":"8d5a588e-00e8-46cc-94e5-aa9b0786261e","slug":"sudden-onset-brown-sequard-like-symptoms-due-to-fibrotic-scar-tissue-formation-around-spinal-cord-stimulator-electrode-with-associated-spinal-cord-compression","title":"Sudden onset Brown-Sequard-like symptoms due to fibrotic scar tissue formation around spinal cord stimulator electrode with associated spinal cord compression","authors":["Rylie Wackerly","Victor Castano","Vincent Y. Wang"],"abstract":"Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a widely used therapy for chronic neuropathic pain. Although generally safe, rare complications such as spinal cord injury can occur. Most cases present within days to weeks of implantation. Case Description: A 48-year-old female with chronic back pain was treated with SCS placement at T9–T10 in 2008. Seventeen years later, she presented with the sudden onset of paraparesis (greater on left), a T10 sensory loss to pin appreciation, and bowel incontinence. Her examination was consistent with a Brown-Sequard like syndrome. Once the SCS was removed, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed significant residual cord compression due to an epidural mass extending from T8 to T10; causing hyperintense T2 signal changes in the cord. Following a T8–T10 laminectomy with resection of the fibrotic tissue, the patient improved regarding her gait but still had residual numbness in both lower extremities. The postoperative MRI 4 weeks later revealed no residual stenosis or spinal cord compression, but faint T2 signal changes within the cord remained. Conclusion: This case highlights how a SCS resulted in the late onset (i.e. 17 years later) of a Brown-Séquard like syndrome attributed to placement of a SCS.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/8d5a588e-00e8-46cc-94e5-aa9b0786261e/featured/hero-1781558170982.png","publishDate":"2025-11-21T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_1077_2025","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/14089/SNI-16-493.pdf"}