522 - Neuropathic Pain Following Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Revision: A Rare Post-operative Complication

Thursday, February 19, 2026

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM AST

Presenting Author(s)

MZ

Muneeb Zaidi, MD

Research Fellow
Johns Hopkins
Sanford, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

EB

Elaina Butt, MD

Physician
Mt Sinai Hospital Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
CB

Charmaine Butt, MD

Physician
HCA Florida
Chicago, Illinois, United States
MM

Mohammad H. Masood, n/a

Undergraduate Student
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida, United States
AS

Amaan Sheikh, DO

Resident Physician
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Submitter(s)

MZ

Muneeb Zaidi, MD

Research Fellow
Johns Hopkins
Sanford, Florida, United States

Case Diagnosis:

A 55-year-old man with chronic T12 spinal cord injury experienced severe, diffuse neuropathic pain within 48 hours of intrathecal baclofen pump catheter revision for suspected occlusion. Pump interrogation and imaging confirmed correct catheter placement and function. CSF studies ruled out infection.

Case Description:

Pain manifested as burning dysesthesias from the waist to both feet without new weakness or sensory changes. Standard dose escalation was ineffective. Gradual baclofen titration combined with a short corticosteroid taper provided significant relief over two weeks, avoiding repeat surgery.

Discussions:

This rare presentation likely reflects dorsal root micro-trauma or abrupt changes in GABA receptor sensitivity. Prompt recognition of neurochemical rather than mechanical causes can prevent unnecessary re-operation and guide appropriate pharmacologic management.

Conclusions:

Acute neuropathic pain after baclofen pump revision warrants consideration of neurochemical mechanisms. Early multidisciplinary pain control and careful dose adjustment can resolve symptoms and avert chronic complications.