A Washington teenager who was considering amputation due to severe chronic pain has become the first under-18 in the UK to receive a pioneering spinal cord implant, leaving him pain-free for the first time in years.
Procedure at Great North Children's Hospital
Ralph Seed, 18, had suffered from Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) for five years, affecting his left foot. Two weeks ago, a team at Newcastle's Great North Children's Hospital implanted an electrode near his spinal cord with a battery that sends pulses. When activated, his pain vanished instantly.
The procedure was performed at the National Centre for Neurotechnology and Neurorestoration (NCNN), a collaboration between Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University.
Patient's Experience
Ralph described his condition: "Unfortunately I have a rare condition called Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome - and for me it affects me left foot. Pretty much any time anything came into contact with it, it would decide to hurt and it would be this awful burning sensation."
He added: "The results have been outstanding. It's been two weeks now and I don't think it's really hit me. To have four years of pain gone - I can't put it into words. To come from a place where even simple things like putting socks on were such a challenge, it's amazing."
Now pain-free, Ralph plans a European road trip with his family and a future working with cars.
Medical Team's Response
Consultant Dr Sachin Rastogi said: "This pain was stopping him from doing pretty much whatever he would be trying to do. It's an extreme pain reaction that doesn't switch off." He noted that chronic pain in children is more common than realized and that Ralph's case was exceptionally severe.
Dr Rastogi, along with neurosurgeon Mr Mohammed Akbar Hussain, performed the implant. Dr Rastogi called the results "immediate and unprecedented," adding: "Seeing the impact of being pain-free for Ralph is simply one of the most moving things I have experienced in my career."
Family's Gratitude
Ralph's mother Tara Walton said: "The whole journey to get here has been quite something. It's been four years and the amount of things we have tried - it's amazing that Ralph has kept going. Nothing was working, but to see this work and the look of relief on his face was amazing." She added: "It's really so special to see him smiling again."
