Spinal cord stimulator misplacement is often the result of preventable surgical errors, and when those errors lead to nerve damage, paralysis, infection, or failed pain relief, patients may pursue medical malpractice claims to recover damages. These cases typically involve mistakes such as incorrect lead placement, failure to use proper monitoring, or inadequate patient evaluation, all of which can produce significant long-term injury. To bring a successful claim, a patient must prove that the surgeon acted below accepted standards and that the harm they suffered was the direct result of negligence—supported by records, expert testimony, and evidence of ongoing loss.

Below, we provide a detailed, comprehensive guide on SCS misplacement, the injuries it can cause, examples of surgical negligence, and how victims in Chicago, Illinois can pursue a malpractice claim with strong legal support.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator and Why Misplacement Leads to Malpractice Claims

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is designed to interrupt pain signals by sending electrical impulses to targeted nerves in the spine. When implanted correctly, it can offer meaningful relief for patients with chronic pain conditions. But when the device or its leads are placed incorrectly, the outcome can be disastrous.

Misplacement can lead to worsening pain, nerve injury, paralysis, loss of mobility, electric shocks, device malfunction, and in severe cases, the need for additional surgeries. These complications are not simply unfortunate results—they often stem from avoidable errors, creating grounds for a medical malpractice case.

Common Surgical Errors That Lead to SCS Misplacement

SCS implantation is a highly technical procedure. Even small deviations from protocol may result in permanent neurological injury. The most frequent surgical errors include:

1. Incorrect Lead Placement

Surgeons may insert the leads in the wrong location or angle, or they may use components that are too large for the patient’s spinal canal. This often results in:

  • Unintended nerve trauma
  • Failure to relieve pain
  • Loss of sensation
  • Abnormal jolting or electric shock sensations

In some instances, surgeons modify or alter leads in ways that violate manufacturer guidelines, greatly increasing the risk of misplacement.

2. Lack of Proper Intraoperative Monitoring

During SCS placement, surgeons are expected to use intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), which helps detect changes in spinal cord function in real time.

Negligence may occur when:

  • Monitoring is not used at all
  • Signals showing possible spinal cord injury are ignored
  • The remote neurologist monitoring the surgery fails to alert the surgeon
  • Recorded data is misinterpreted

Without these safeguards, surgeons may accidentally damage nerves or insert the device incorrectly without realizing it.

3. Improper Patient Evaluation Before Surgery

Medical professionals must thoroughly evaluate whether a patient is a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Negligence occurs when:

  • A patient is cleared for surgery despite anatomical risks
  • Trial stimulator results are not reviewed properly
  • Pre-existing conditions that increase surgical risk are ignored

A rushed or careless evaluation exposes patients to unnecessary harm.

4. Surgical Complications Caused by Avoidable Errors

Common preventable complications include:

  • Bleeding that compresses the spinal cord
  • Infections from poor sterile technique
  • Puncture of the dura mater
  • Perforation of surrounding tissues
  • Improper anchoring leading to lead migration

Each of these can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life and may require follow-up surgeries to correct.

Injuries and Long-Term Complications Caused by SCS Misplacement

Patients may experience severe and sometimes permanent injuries after device misplacement or surgical error, such as:

1. Nerve Damage or Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding nerves may result in:

  • Loss of motor function
  • Tingling, burning, or shooting pain
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Permanent disability

In the most severe cases, partial or full paralysis may occur.

2. Worsening Pain or New Pain

Incorrect lead placement or trauma to the spinal cord can trigger:

  • Increased chronic pain
  • Unexpected electrical sensations
  • Pain during movement or rest

Instead of providing relief, the SCS becomes a source of new suffering.

3. Device Malfunction or Failure

Complications may include:

  • Lead migration from improper anchoring
  • Fractured or damaged leads
  • Battery malfunction
  • Electric shocks or burns

These problems often require revision surgeries, creating additional risk for the patient.

4. Additional Medical Complications

Other injuries linked to SCS misplacement include:

  • Dural puncture leading to severe headaches
  • Dizziness or cognitive issues
  • Urinary or gastrointestinal incontinence

These conditions can impair daily activities and long-term independence.

How Medical Malpractice Claims Arise from SCS Misplacement

Patients may pursue a malpractice claim when the surgeon or medical team fails to meet accepted standards of care. A successful claim typically involves the following elements:

1. Establishing Negligence

You must show that the surgeon or healthcare provider made errors that fall below professional standards. This includes:

  • Failing to follow surgical protocols
  • Ignoring neuromonitoring signals
  • Improperly placing or modifying leads
  • Poor preoperative assessment

2. Proving Harm

Medical evidence must show that the negligence directly caused your injuries, such as:

  • Permanent nerve damage
  • Need for corrective surgery
  • Loss of income or earning ability
  • Long-term disability

3. Gathering Strong Evidence

Key documentation may include:

  • Medical records and diagnostic imaging
  • Surgical reports
  • Expert witness evaluations
  • Personal symptom and pain journals

This evidence builds the foundation for a strong legal case.

4. Working with a Skilled Medical Malpractice Attorney

Because these cases involve both medical and legal complexity, patients should work with an attorney experienced in spinal cord stimulator malpractice. A qualified lawyer can help gather evidence, consult medical experts, and pursue compensation aggressively.

SCS Misplacement Cases in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s medical facilities include some of the most advanced surgical centers in the Midwest, yet surgical errors still occur. Illinois law allows injured patients to pursue compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term disability
  • Future medical care

Illinois also has specific filing deadlines (statutes of limitation) for medical malpractice claims, making timely legal action crucial.

Contact Our Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Phillips Law Offices

At Phillips Law Offices, we represent patients harmed by spinal cord stimulator misplacement, surgical negligence, and preventable neurological injury. Our team understands these cases in extraordinary detail, including the surgical protocols, device technology, and medical standards needed to build a strong claim.

We work with top medical experts to uncover what went wrong and pursue full compensation for our clients. If you suffered nerve damage, paralysis, infection, or any complication following SCS placement, you deserve answers—and justice.

Reach out to our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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