Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?
I need help please, sir. I have had a Medtronic pain pump for 4 years. Have had several severe falls. Last June, MRI showed my spinal cord almost severed in 3 places. Had an ACDF from C-3 down to C-7 and fused. Have had severe nerve pain in shoulders ever since, Have tried 4 medications until Neurontin helped some without a multitude of side effects like the other meds gave me. For the last month and a half, the lumbar area that my pump has always helped with, suddenly has skyrocketed. I thought was results of recent falls(walk with cane). But now it is like it has quit. Called my pain clinic, they said my doctor is on vacations until June 15th, other 2 residents have recently graduated and left. Even their on-call nurse is out of town until next Thursday.Called my GP, he s on vacation for another week and a half. The three closest ERs said they wouldn t handle pain pumps, contact the doctor who installed it. I am caught between crying and screaming while trying to swallow a wash cloth so neighbors won t call 911. Please ! What can I do ?
posted on
Mon, 18 May 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 7 Nov 2025
Answered on
Thu, 27 Nov 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Severe lumbar pain strongly suggests that your intrathecal pump is not adequately delivering medication. The possible causes for this include dislodgment, catheter kink, or, blockage. Multiple falls may especially cause this kind of symptom.
** Pump malfunction or low battery: Medtronic pumps have a lifespan and may stop if approaching end-of-service.
** Reservoir empty or delivery error: Sometimes this may happen if the refill or programming was off.
Your recent MRI, which showed fusion from C3–C7 with spinal cord damage, explains the ongoing nerve pain in the shoulders-that's from post-surgical neuropathic pain. The partial help from Neurontin is consistent with that. However, the new lumbar flare-up points to something mechanical or device-related, not just nerve irritation.
What you should do immediately:
- DO NOT attempt to adjust or manipulate the pump yourself.
- Since you're in severe, uncontrolled pain, you need urgent evaluation at an emergency department — even if they said they "don't handle pain pumps." Any ER can at least:
- Provide temporary pain relief - non-narcotic or injectable medications
- Check for pump alarms or other malfunction signs (some Medtronic pumps emit a warning tone or can be scanned).
- Rule out infection, leakage, or spinal cord compression after your recent falls.
If your local ER cannot help with pump programming, request a transfer or referral to a tertiary center or hospital that has a pain management or neurosurgery department.
If you cannot reach anyone tonight, you can call emergency helpline, which is listed on your device card. Having someone around is good. Severe unrelieved pain would cause spikes in BP or collapse.
Apply hot compresses or cold compresses on the lower back. Position yourself gently by lying on your side with knees bent, as this is often the most comfortable posture. If it is tolerable then continue taking Neurontin. A malfunctioning pain pump is an urgent issue as it can lead to abrupt withdrawal from intrathecal medication. It requires immediate medical intervention.
You have managed well so far. Go now to the nearest large hospital ER (even if it is not a place you have visited before). Explain that you have a Medtronic pump and suspect malfunction. They can contact Medtronic's on-call technical support to assist the attending physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query, I will be happy to help. Wish you strength and good health.
Regards,
Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General & Family Physician
Severe lumbar pain strongly suggests that your intrathecal pump is not adequately delivering medication. The possible causes for this include dislodgment, catheter kink, or, blockage. Multiple falls may especially cause this kind of symptom.
** Pump malfunction or low battery: Medtronic pumps have a lifespan and may stop if approaching end-of-service.
** Reservoir empty or delivery error: Sometimes this may happen if the refill or programming was off.
Your recent MRI, which showed fusion from C3–C7 with spinal cord damage, explains the ongoing nerve pain in the shoulders-that's from post-surgical neuropathic pain. The partial help from Neurontin is consistent with that. However, the new lumbar flare-up points to something mechanical or device-related, not just nerve irritation.
What you should do immediately:
- DO NOT attempt to adjust or manipulate the pump yourself.
- Since you're in severe, uncontrolled pain, you need urgent evaluation at an emergency department — even if they said they "don't handle pain pumps." Any ER can at least:
- Provide temporary pain relief - non-narcotic or injectable medications
- Check for pump alarms or other malfunction signs (some Medtronic pumps emit a warning tone or can be scanned).
- Rule out infection, leakage, or spinal cord compression after your recent falls.
If your local ER cannot help with pump programming, request a transfer or referral to a tertiary center or hospital that has a pain management or neurosurgery department.
If you cannot reach anyone tonight, you can call emergency helpline, which is listed on your device card. Having someone around is good. Severe unrelieved pain would cause spikes in BP or collapse.
Apply hot compresses or cold compresses on the lower back. Position yourself gently by lying on your side with knees bent, as this is often the most comfortable posture. If it is tolerable then continue taking Neurontin. A malfunctioning pain pump is an urgent issue as it can lead to abrupt withdrawal from intrathecal medication. It requires immediate medical intervention.
You have managed well so far. Go now to the nearest large hospital ER (even if it is not a place you have visited before). Explain that you have a Medtronic pump and suspect malfunction. They can contact Medtronic's on-call technical support to assist the attending physician.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query, I will be happy to help. Wish you strength and good health.
Regards,
Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....