Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation right for me?

What Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treat?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is an innovative and effective treatment option for various chronic pain conditions and certain medical conditions. It has shown promising results in providing targeted pain relief for the following conditions:

Chronic Back Pain: PNS can be used to address chronic back pain caused by conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease.

Neuropathic Pain: PNS has been beneficial in managing neuropathic pain, which results from nerve damage or dysfunction, commonly seen in conditions like diabetic neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Peripheral Neuropathy: PNS may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage to peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Post-Herniorrhaphy Pain: PNS has shown promise in treating chronic pain following hernia repair surgery.

Post-Amputation Pain: Patients who experience persistent pain after limb amputation have found relief through PNS.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

PNS involves the implantation of a small device, similar to a pacemaker, near the targeted peripheral nerve. This device emits mild electrical pulses, interrupting the pain signals traveling along the nerve pathway. By blocking or modulating these signals, PNS effectively reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain, providing the patient with much-needed relief.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

What can I expect during the PNS Procedure?

On the day of the procedure, the patient will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area where the percutaneous leads and wireless stimulator will be placed. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the procedure and patient preferences, conscious sedation may also be offered to provide relaxation and pain relief during the process.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the physician will use fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) to guide the placement of the percutaneous leads. The leads are soft and flexible, making them easier to maneuver into the precise location near the targeted peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. These leads are then connected to a stimulator, worn externally. After the procedure, your pain management specialist will program the pulse generator to deliver electrical impulses tailored to your specific pain patterns. The device can be adjusted and fine-tuned to achieve optimal pain relief.

AFTER TREATMENT

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

The recovery period following the procedure is generally brief. You may experience some soreness or discomfort at the incision site, but this typically resolves within a few days. Your pain management specialist will provide post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled with your pain management specialist to track your progress, make any necessary adjustments to the device’s settings, and address any concerns or questions you may have.