Finding the Needle in the Haystack—An Unusual Case of Astasia-Abasia Following Sacro-Iliac Joint Injection for Chronic Low Back Pain

We present the case of a 60 yrs old male who, following routine, uneventful, fluoroscopically guided L5/S1 facet joint rhizolysis and sacro-iliac (SIJ) injection developed an unexpected inability to stand or walk, condition known as astasia-abasia. Initial concern had been that this neurological phenomenon was result complications his chronic pain intervention. Despite essentially normal examination dedicated battery imaging special testing, no cause identified. Over 7-day period in-patient admission physical rehabilitation symptoms resolved entirely. In course workup for episode, it suggested side effect dexamfetamine, agent prescribed patient by neurologist treatment narcolepsy. On back discontinued outpatient consultation. Subsequent repeated SIJ injections were entirely uneventful experienced further occurrences phenomenon.