Transient Right-Sided Hemiparesis and Diplopia in the Setting of a Migrated Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator Lead: A Case Report

Abstract

A 36-year-old man with a history of cervical spinal cord stimulator (SCS) lead placement presented with transient right-sided hemiparesis and diplopia that began 2 days after a coughing episode. Imaging revealed lateral and cranial migration of one of the patient’s SCS leads. Deactivation of the SCS resulted in rapid improvement of his nonmotor symptoms but did not resolve his motor deficits. The SCS system was surgically explanted, resulting in resolution of the patient’s motor symptoms. The unique neurologic symptomatology demonstrated by this patient is a previously undescribed complication of SCS placement and lead migration.