Spinal cord injury by direct damage during trigger point injection: a case report

Trigger point injections (TPI) are a common treatment for muscle pain, but they can sometimes cause complications. This case report discusses a patient who experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI) after receiving a TPI. A 59-year-old woman experienced an electric shock sensation during a TPI in her back, followed by weakness and pain in her left leg. An MRI revealed damage to her spinal cord. Although she partially recovered, this case highlights the risk of SCI from TPI. This case emphasizes the importance of clinicians being aware of the potential for needle-induced SCI during TPI and considering imaging guidance to ensure accurate needle placement.

• 1
  The patient experienced an electric shock sensation during the TPI procedure, followed by weakness and neuropathic pain in the left lower extremity.
• 2
  MRI revealed a high-intensity T2 signal in the left T12 to L2 spinal cord segments, indicating edema or inflammation.
• 3
  Electrophysiological recordings showed no central motor conduction time response in the left leg, further supporting the diagnosis of SCI.