A long-term follow-up of cauda equina stimulation for chronic pelvic pain - case report

Br J Neurosurg. 2026 Mar 2:1-5. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2026.2620405. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cauda equina is an uncommon target for neuromodulation. We present a long-term follow-up of a patient who underwent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) insertion at the level of cauda equina for chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

METHODS: This is a case report of a 44-year-old female who underwent SCS placement over the cauda equina roots in 2012.

RESULTS: The patient experienced long-term benefits of the therapy.On top of the pain relief evidenced by improvement in pain score and mobility and reduction in pain medication, the patient reported subjective improvement in urinary symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the first report of a cauda equina stimulation for pelvic pain. This case is significant as it shows that the cauda equina roots could be used as a target for neuromodulation in the treatment of pain located within the pelvic region, as well as challenges in using this target and the potential role of paraesthesia-free modalities. It also suggests that this treatment could potentially improve autonomic symptoms.

PMID:41766570 | DOI:10.1080/02688697.2026.2620405