Parker Waichman LLP

Paralysis a Potential Complication of Spine Stimulators

Some patients who have been implanted with spinal-cord stimulators have ended up with paralysis, Wall Street Journal reports. These devices are manufactured by a number of companies, the biggest of which include Medtronic, St. Jude Medical and Boston Scientific. The devices use stimulation therapy to help manage chronic pain; a small external remote is used […]

Paralysis_Potential_in_Spine_StimulatorsSome patients who have been implanted with spinal-cord stimulators have ended up with paralysis, Wall Street Journal reports. These devices are manufactured by a number of companies, the biggest of which include Medtronic, St. Jude Medical and Boston Scientific. The devices use stimulation therapy to help manage chronic pain; a small external remote is used to send low currents of electricity to the implanted generator and the electrical current from the leads creates a tingling sensation that it supposed to mask pain signals being sent to the brain, WSJ says. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) adverse-event reports and a review of medical malpractice lawsuits, more than 100 patients have experienced partial or permanent paralysis after having a spinal-cord stimulator inserted into their backs.

Shivanand P. Lad, a Duke neurosurgeon and lead researcher of the study, said that nearly 1 in every 100 patients suffers some kind of spinal cord or spinal nerve-root damage, with the injuries ranging from muscle weakness to complete paraplegia. Doctors say the probability of paralysis often depend on the implanters’ skill levels and experience, WSJ reports. Although training standards and practice guidelines are usually implemented in medical societies, spinal stimulators can be implanted by several different types of doctors- including anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons- so no single medical society is responsible for guidelines.

Rick Greenwood, 66 was one of the patients who suffered permanent paralysis after being implanted with a spinal-cord stimulator, Wall Street Journal reports. Two years ago, Mr. Greenwood checked into a Dallas hospital in order to have the implanted after suffering from back pain for over 40 years. Hours after the procedure, he complained of numbness in his legs to nurses. It turns out that a blood clot was pressing on his spinal cord, and an emergency procedure was performed. Unfortunately, the damage was irreversible and he left the hospital one month later in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down. “I walked in to that hospital, and I expected to walk out,” Mr. Greenwood told WSJ. “Getting paralyzed didn’t even cross my mind at all.”

Lawsuits have also been filed over the devices. In 2011, Deirdre Murphy alleged that her spine surgeon implanted her with a St. Jude stimulator he had not been trained to use. The suit alleged that the doctor was negligent for failing to obtain proper training. It also accused St. Judge Medical of negligence in selling the device to the surgeon without proper training. According to WSJ, the case was settled out of court and led to a cash settlement for Murphy.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness I’m very please with the service that I received from P/W , very professional and efficient with good knowledge of the service that they offer.
Anthony Gordon
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My experience with Parker Waichman was very professional and thorough from the first day I met with Gerard Ryan regarding my 9/11 claim. He explained in detail how the process works. The paralegals on my case were wonderful in instructing me how to gather my information and what to do at the different stages of the claim. I first worked with Christina Morace followed by Shelly Davis and concluded with Gina Viti. Each of these women was very detailed and helpful in instructing me on what I needed to do. They were very professional, kind and pleasant in all my telephone conversations with them. I must give extra credit to Christina the first person that communicated with me after meeting with Gerard. At a certain stage Shelly Davis began working with me and I found her to be very professional, pleasant and detailed in her instructions. The final stage of the claim I worked with Gina who was also very kind and pleasant. It would have been a pleasure if I had met them in person. Thanks to each of them my case was successfully filed and accepted. Thanks Parker Waichman. Great job Gerald, Christine, Shelly and Gina. No hesitation in recommending you.
Edna Ellis
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker you are the best in town. I’m super happy with your services.I will recommend my friends and family. Jorge thank you for everything you did for me
Edgar Fortiz
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038