Spinal Cord Stimulation and the Pregnant Patient-Specific Considerations for Management: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Objectives: The use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a form of neuromodulation used to treat chronic pain in those patients who are refractory to conventional medical management. Not uncommonly, SCS can dramatically improve a patient's quality of life, and those who are in the childbearing years may go on to become pregnant. The purpose of this case series is to describe: 1) implantation considerations in women of childbearing age; 2) use of rechargeable systems; 3) the obstetric and anesthetic concerns in patients with spinal cord stimulators; 4) risks of using SCS in the peripartum period. Materials and Methods: Two female patients with complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I) who were well managed with SCS became pregnant. In both patients, the leads were placed through the T12/L1 interspace and the generator was placed in the buttock region. In the first patient, the device was deactivated prior to conception and maintained off for the duration of the pregnancy. The second patient became pregnant on two separate occasions, with active SCS for a portion of the first trimester. During her second pregnancy, the patient elected to use of SCS at 30 weeks' gestation. Results: The developing fetuses with intrauterine exposure to SCS were followed out for a minimum of two years and are developmentally normal. The physical presence of the device did not complicate obstetric or anesthetic care. Rechargeable SCS systems were not adversely affected when turned off for the duration of the pregnancy. Conclusion: Implantation of SCS devices in women of childbearing years should take into account the future needs of both obstetric and anesthetic care by avoiding the abdomen and lower lumbar spine whenever possible. There was no appreciable decline of battery capacity in present day constant current rechargeable generators when deactivated for the duration of pregnancy.