Relapsing ulcerative colitis associated with spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an increasingly popular form of pain treatment. An electrode positioned on the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord at the leve l of the nerve roots from the painful area stimulates the spinal cord. Curr ent from the electrode is supplied by a pulse generator in the lower anteri or abdominal wall. Spinal cord stimulation has not previously been associat ed with ulcerative colitis. A man with left-sided ulcerative colitis in rem ission experienced two successive relapses related to the use of a spinal c ord stimulation system. After removal of the system, remission returned and remained. This case suggests that electrical current may influence the cou rse of ulcerative colitis.