Hidden Risks of Multimodal Neuromodulation: Suspected Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Motor Stall Induced by a Vagus Nerve Stimulator Magnet

The increasing use of implantable neuromodulation devices in patients with chronic post-stroke sequelae raises the possibility of unintended device-device interactions. We report a case of recurrent intrathecal baclofen pump motor stalls in a patient with longstanding spasticity following an intracranial hemorrhage, ultimately attributed to magnetic interference from a recently implanted vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) activator magnet. Recognition of this interaction led to prompt resolution and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary awareness and patient education in individuals with multiple implanted neuromodulation systems.

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Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Published
2026-08-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0000000000003135
Primary Topic
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Hidden Risks of Multimodal Neuromodulation: Suspected Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Motor Stall Induced by a Vagus Nerve Stimulator Magnet

Weibin Shi, Gregor J. Dudiak, Thiru M. Annaswamy, Brigid Deck et al.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research
article

Hidden Risks of Multimodal Neuromodulation: Suspected Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Motor Stall Induced by a Vagus Nerve Stimulator Magnet

Weibin Shi, Gregor J. Dudiak, Thiru M. Annaswamy, Brigid Deck, Priya Sharma
article en

Abstract

The increasing use of implantable neuromodulation devices in patients with chronic post-stroke sequelae raises the possibility of unintended device-device interactions. We report a case of recurrent intrathecal baclofen pump motor stalls in a patient with longstanding spasticity following an intracranial hemorrhage, ultimately attributed to magnetic interference from a recently implanted vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) activator magnet. Recognition of this interaction led to prompt resolution and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary awareness and patient education in individuals with multiple implanted neuromodulation systems.

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Oklahoma State Department of Health (US)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research
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