Short-term spinal cord stimulation for refractory Elsberg syndrome in diabetic neuropathy: A case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND Elsberg syndrome is a type of postinfectious lumbosacral radiculitis typically triggered by neurotropic viruses and manifests as bladder/bowel dysfunction, saddle sensory disturbances (including hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, or dysesthesia), and variable neurological deficits. Typically self-limiting, it often responds to antiviral and neurotropic therapies. However, in patients with comorbidities that confer susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy (e.g. , diabetes mellitus), timely escalation to neuromodulation strategies, such as spinal cord stimulation, may be warranted to optimize functional outcomes when conservative measures are inadequate. CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male with diabetes mellitus presented with severe bladder and bowel dysfunction persisting for more than two months, followed by left gluteal and perianal (saddle area) herpes zoster eruption that was accompanied by significant neuropathic pain. Following a suboptimal response to conservative therapy, the patient underwent implantation of a short-term spinal cord stimulation. Following a 10-day trial of continuous tonic stimulation, the percutaneous electrode lead was removed. The patients experienced no surgical complications, and after the procedure, the patient achieved complete restoration of bladder and bowel function and significant pain alleviation. Two-month follow-up confirmed sustained full recovery. CONCLUSION Early implementation of short-term spinal cord stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for promoting neurological recovery in patients with Elsberg syndrome refractory to conservative management, especially those with predisposing comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus.
Source: World Journal of Clinical Cases
Authors: Jia Wang, Xiao-Qian Yu, Xue-Guang Zhang, Li Song, Jun Lee
Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416391353