Opioid-induced hyperalgesia after implantation of intrathecal morphine pump: a case report

Abstract

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is characterized by an increased pain response to noxious stimuli despite increased use of opioid medications. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old woman diagnosed with post-laminectomy syndrome who presented with an increasing pain score following a morphine infusion via an implanted intrathecal drug delivery device. Her pain improved after reducing opioid doses and the administration of intravenous ketamine infusion therapy. Thus, the early suspicion of opioid-induced hyperalgesia is essential for patients with increasing pain refractory to augmented doses of opioid medications.