Pulsed radiofrequency applied to the dorsal root ganglia for treatment of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome: A case series

• Radiofrequency is a therapeutic modality that has been used for neuropathic pain.
• PRF applied to DRG might play a significant role for CRPS management after stroke.
• PRF is an option that may be considered for treatment of therapy-resistant CRPS.

Study objectiveComplex regional pain syndrome is a painful and disabling syndrome where the patient presents with neuropathic pain, edema, or vasomotor or pseudomotor abnormalities that are often refractory to treatment. Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 may occurs in stroke patients. Radiofrequency is a therapeutic modality that has been used for years for diseases associated with neuropathic pain.DesignCase series report.SettingSelcuk University Hospital.PatientsA 69-year-old woman and a 48-year-old women who suffered post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome type 1.InterventionsPulsed radiofrequency current application to the cervical dorsal root ganglia.MeasurementsPain reduction.Main resultsThe patients had complete resolution of their symptoms, which was maintained at 10 and 5 months of follow-up.ConclusıonsThese cases illustrates that pulsed radiofrequency applied to cervical dorsal root ganglia might play a significant role in multi-modal approach of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 management after stroke. Further randomized, controlled studies are needed to support this argument.