Combined spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation in severe neuropathic pain syndrome

Introduction. Chronic severe neuropathic pain syndrome (NPS) refractory to conservative and surgical treatments remains a significant clinical challenge. Chronic electrical stimulation of a single neural structure often proves insufficiently effective, highlighting the need for innovative approaches such as combined neuromodulation. This article aims to present a clinical case of combined spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation. A case report. A 32-year-old female with iatrogenic injury to the sural nerve following surgical intervention presented with refractory NPS (8 points on VAS). Failed conservative therapy (gabapentin, duloxetine) and surgical management (neuroma excision) led to chronic spinal cord stimulation, achieving 30% pain reduction. Subsequent ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve electrode implantation combined with chronic electrical stimulation resulted in complete pain area coverage and pain intensity reduction to 1–2 points on VAS. Conclusion. Technical challenges associated with combined neuromodulation should not preclude its clinical application. Electrode proximity does not significantly affect system performance. Combined neuromodulation demonstrated synergistic effects in pain management by enhancing analgesia through simultaneous modulation of central and peripheral pain mechanisms. Large-scale studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of this combined approach are required for routine clinical implementation.