Scrambler therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain related to leukemia in a pediatric patient: A case report

1.20 Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Nov;96(45):e8629. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008629.

Scrambler therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain related to leukemia in a pediatric patient: A case report.

Park HS1, Kim WJ, Kim HG, Yoo SH.

1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.Abstract

RATIONALE:

Cancer-related neuropathic pain often responds poorly to standard pain treatments. Scrambler therapy has relieved refractory chronic pain in several uncontrolled clinical trials.

PATIENT CONCERNS:

An 11-year-old female patient was suffering from left groin and medial thigh pain after irradiation to the knee. The girl was diagnosed with precursor B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia 2 years ago. Extramedullary relapse of leukemia developed 1 month ago and pain had started. She was treated with oral medications, but she was continuously complaining of severe pain.

DIAGNOSIS:

Neuropathic pain caused by obturator nerve involvement in leukemia.

INTERVENTION:

Scrambler therapy.

OUTCOME:

Pain reduction.

LESSONS:

Scrambler therapy is noninvasive, is not associated with any complications, causes minimal discomfort during treatment, and is very effective in a pediatric patient with cancer-related neuropathic pain.