Spinal cord stimulators may cause complications when leads move or break, the device malfunctions, unexpected stimulation occurs, or an infection develops around the implanted hardware. Complications can leave patients dealing with more than their original chronic pain.
Unexpected shocks, damaged leads, and infections can cause new or worsening pain, limit mobility, and interfere with everyday activities. Patients may lose confidence in their ability to move safely, worry about what the stimulator might do next, and face the uncertainty of whether another surgery will help.
Spinal cord stimulator horror stories involve:
- Unexpected shocks and falls
- Lead movement and repeated surgeries
- Infections and sepsis
- Broken or damaged leads
- Device shifting and jolts
- Serious complications during removal
For many, what was intended to relieve chronic pain instead became another source of physical suffering and uncertainty. The following stories describe serious complications reported by patients or documented in FDA adverse-event reports.
If you or a loved one were harmed by a spinal cord stimulator, you may be eligible for compensation. At Sokolove Law, we've secured over $1.6 Billion for patients harmed by dangerous medical devices and drugs.
1. Unexpected Electric Shocks Caused Falls
Spinal cord stimulators use electrical pulses to interfere with pain signals, but device malfunction, lead problems, or changes in stimulation can cause unexpected, painful jolts. When these shocks affect a person's ability to move or maintain their balance, they can lead to falls and serious secondary injuries.
Jim Taft learned how frightening these problems could be after receiving a Boston Scientific Precision™ spinal cord stimulator for severe nerve pain following a serious arm injury. The device failed soon after implantation, according to an NBC News report.
Taft underwent surgery to repair the device, but afterward, he reportedly experienced repeated shocks that were so frequent he could not sleep. At one point, the shocks allegedly caused him to fall down a flight of stairs. He later reported debilitating health problems that left him "virtually paralyzed."
2. Lead Movement Caused Severe Pain & Repeated Surgeries
Spinal cord stimulator leads can migrate from their original position, disrupting the delivery of electrical pulses and potentially causing painful or unwanted stimulation.
When leads shift, patients may experience sudden jolts, burning sensations, or a return of their original pain. Correcting lead migration can require additional surgery to reposition or replace the leads.
In 2017, Rebecca Mercer received her first spinal cord stimulator to treat pain following a knee injury. She needed 2 additional surgeries within 5 months after the leads moved out of position, causing sharp, stabbing pain and a thumping sensation in her lower back, according to a Four Corners news investigation.
Following another procedure in 2018, Mercer reported experiencing severe electrical shocks that caused her to fly up out of bed. A CT scan revealed multiple crush fractures in her spine, although her doctors couldn't explain how they happened.
Mercer had the stimulator removed in 2019, but said she was left in constant pain, unable to lift anything heavier than about 6 pounds, and could no longer work.
"It's been a nightmare, and my children have had to endure this with me. People have a vision of what they want to do in the future, and mine is so limited and so bleak."
– Rebecca Mercer, Spinal Cord Stimulator Victim
3. An Infected Stimulator Led to Sepsis
Spinal cord stimulator implantation can introduce bacteria into the body, potentially causing infections around the implanted leads, battery, or surgical site. These infections can spread to deeper tissues and may enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.
Treating an infected stimulator may require hospitalization, antibiotics, and emergency surgery to remove the device.
In one case, Melinda McAdam developed a serious infection just days after undergoing a spinal cord stimulator procedure in Australia. Her condition worsened over the following weeks until she was rushed to the hospital, projectile vomiting green pus and fearing she was going to die.
Doctors had to remove the infected stimulator because her device had become infected during implantation and she had developed sepsis.
"I remember when I woke up a priest was giving me my last rites," McAdam recalled.
4. A Broken Lead Caused Loss of Pain Relief
Spinal cord stimulator leads can fracture or become damaged, interrupting the electrical signals needed to manage pain. Patients may experience a return of their original symptoms, worsening pain, or inadequate stimulation and potentially require additional surgery to replace the broken lead or remove the entire device.
A woman named Amanda initially experienced significant pain relief after receiving a spinal cord stimulator in February 2019. She regained her ability to walk, returned to physical activities, and even completed a 35-kilometer charity walk, according to a Painaustralia report,
However, by 2022, her pain had progressively worsened despite the stimulator and additional surgeries. One of her stimulator leads had allegedly broken, and she also had a damaged spinal disc.
After having the device removed, Amanda reported that her condition deteriorated dramatically within days. She experienced incontinence, loss of function in her legs, and a return of foot drop that left her able to crawl only to the bathroom.
Describing the emotional toll, she said, "I was destroyed mentally." Amanda pleaded with her surgeon for another implant. A replacement stimulator was installed in February 2023, and she reported that within 4 days, her incontinence had disappeared, and she was able to begin reducing her medication.
5. A Device Shift Caused Jolts and Falls
Spinal cord stimulators can shift from their original position after implantation, causing pain, pressure around the implant site, and problems with stimulation. Patients may experience difficulty charging the device or unexpected electrical jolts.
Correcting the problem may require surgery to reposition the device or create a new pocket for the battery.
A 39-year-old woman reported serious complications with her Medtronic Intellis™ spinal cord stimulator after it reportedly began shifting in 2021 or 2022. She said the implant eventually rested over her spine, causing constant pressure, pain, and difficulty charging the device.
She described intermittent electrical jolts that felt like lightning coursing through her veins. The shocks reportedly became increasingly frequent, sometimes occurring even when the stimulator was turned off.
In 2023, the patient underwent surgery to move the implant to the opposite side of her body, but she continued reporting painful jolts. During one episode, she said her mother tried to turn down the settings while she held onto her car seat.
She also reported that the shocks caused her legs to give out, resulting in falls and a head injury. The implant reportedly began protruding beneath her skin, making it uncomfortable to sleep and charge the device.
6. Removal of the Stimulator Led to a Serious Complication
Removing a spinal cord stimulator can be more complicated than implanting one, particularly when leads become attached to scar tissue near the spinal cord.
During removal, surgeons can tear the protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord, allowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, to leak and cause severe headaches and other complications.
In an August 2025 post on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient described having a spinal cord stimulator for 5 years but keeping it turned off because it caused more pain than relief.
She alleged that during removal surgery in 2024, her surgeon tore her spinal cord in 2 places and damaged a previously implanted pain pump. After developing 3 large lumps along her spine, she said her surgeon waited a month before referring her to another specialist.
The second surgeon reportedly discovered a significant spinal fluid leak that required emergency surgery, during which damage to her pain pump was also identified.
The woman said she continued to experience severe back pain, struggled to find adequate pain management, and remained traumatized by the experience.
Get Justice for Spinal Cord Stimulator Horror Stories
Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being filed by patients who suffered serious injuries after their devices malfunctioned, caused unexpected electrical shocks, developed infections, or required additional surgeries.
At Sokolove Law, we hold manufacturers responsible when defective devices, inadequate warnings, or other product failures contribute to patient injuries.
If you or someone you love experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulator, our team can help you understand your rights and determine whether you may qualify for compensation.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our online form for a free case review. There are no upfront costs to work with us.
