Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Intractable Neuropathic Pain Following a Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injury: A Case Report

Brachial plexus avulsion injuries result in permanent motor and sensory deficits, leading to debilitating symptoms. We report the case of a 25-year-old man with chronic pain following right-sided C5-T1 nerve root avulsion without evidence of peripheral nerve injury. His pain was recalcitrant to medical and neurosurgical interventions. However, he experienced substantial (>70%) pain relief with peripheral nerve stimulation targeting the median nerve. These results agree with data suggesting collateral sprouting of sensory nerves occurs following a brachial plexus injury. Further study is needed if we are to understand the mechanisms of the peripheral nerve stimulator as a treatment option.