What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Your body’s nervous system is composed of your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves extend beyond your brain and spinal cord to your organs and extremities, including your fingertips and toes.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) targets the nerves that transmit pain signals to your brain. PNS involves a tiny implant, such as a wire about the thickness of a human hair or a group of electrodes about the size of a standard paperclip, that delivers electrical impulses, similar to a pacemaker, to the nerve. It works by changing the way your brain perceives pain. The electrical pulses interrupt or alter the pain signals sent from the nerve to the brain.

Patients with intractable neurogenic pain often experience severe and constant pain that is poorly managed by traditional medical measures and opioid-based treatments. To address this condition, implants are available that reduce pain by targeting the affected peripheral nerve. This treatment option is minimally invasive, cost-effective, and requires only a 15-20 minute outpatient procedure.

The system includes a removable adhesive-applied receiver that directs the stimulation programs to the implant from a hand-held control. Additionally, it is designed to accommodate patients who have an active lifestyle and features no implanted batteries and a lead intended to reduce migration. There are eight customized stimulation programs controlled by the patient, providing a long-term treatment option.

Am I a candidate for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Not everyone with pain is a suitable candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation. To be considered for this treatment, a few criteria must be met, such as:

  • The pain should be identified as originating from a distinct peripheral nerve.
  • The patient has attempted or been considered for more conservative treatments, such as pain medications, physical therapy, or nerve blocks.
  • Your physician may recommend a psychological evaluation to determine if factors like depression, anxiety, or personality disorders could affect the outcome of PNS. They may recommend you see Marly, our Licensed Mental Health Counselor, before this treatment to determine if you are a fit candidate for PNS.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Your body’s nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves extend beyond your brain and spinal cord to your organs and extremities, including your fingertips and toes. Typically, people with peripheral neuropathy experience weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet.

Peripheral neuropathy is commonly caused by diabetes, but it can also result from injuries, infections, and exposure to toxins. Symptoms include pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and weakness.

Patients with intractable neurogenic pain often experience severe and constant pain that is poorly managed by traditional medical measures and opioid-based treatments. To address this condition, implants are available that reduce pain by targeting the affected peripheral nerve.