Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Review article

Failed back surgery syndrome—terminology, etiology, prevention, evaluation, and management: a narrative review: Jinseok Yeo; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(3):166-178. Published online June 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00339

Abstract PDF: Amid the worldwide increase in spinal surgery rates, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience refractory chronic pain, resulting in reduced quality of life and escalated healthcare demands. Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a clinical condition characterized by persistent or recurrent pain after one or more spinal surgeries. The diverse characteristics and stigmatizing descriptions of FBSS necessitate a reevaluation of its nomenclature to reflect its complexity more accurately. Accurate identification of the cause of FBSS is hampered by the complex nature of the syndrome and limitations of current diagnostic labels. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include pharmacological treatment, physical therapy, psychological support, and interventional procedures, emphasizing realistic goal-setting and patient education. Further research is needed to increase our understanding, improve diagnostic accuracy, and develop more effective management strategies.

Case report

Serotonin syndrome in a patient with chronic pain taking analgesic drugs mistaken for psychogenic nonepileptic seizure: a case report: Mathieu Boudier-Revéret, Min Cheol Chang; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2021;38(4):371-373. Published online April 5, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2021.00948

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that is caused by the administration of drugs that increase serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. We report a case of serotonin syndrome in a patient with chronic pain who was taking analgesic drugs. A 36-year-old female with chronic pain in the lower back and right buttock area had been taking tramadol hydrochloride 187.5 mg, acetaminophen 325 mg, pregabalin 150 mg, duloxetine 60 mg, and triazolam 0.25 mg daily for several months. After amitriptyline 10 mg was added to achieve better pain control, the patient developed SS, which was mistaken for psychogenic nonepileptic seizure. However, her symptoms completely disappeared after discontinuation of the drugs that were thought to trigger SS and subsequent hydration with normal saline. Various drugs that can increase serotonergic activity are being widely prescribed for patients with chronic pain. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for the occurrence of SS when prescribing pain medications to patients with chronic pain.

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