Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive treatment where a small device is placed to interrupt the signals coming from a specific nerve that is causing pain. PNS can be used in patients with chronic pain, and can also be used to help with pain relief for patients who are on chronic opioid medications for pain.

PNS is done in two steps. The first step is the trial period. During the trial, a small, thin lead is placed near the nerve that is causing pain. The lead is then connected to an external device that patients can use to control the amount of relief they receive. Patients can trial the device for one week to see if they want to proceed with a permanent implant. Relief from the PNS during both the trial and the permanent implant should be felt quickly.

If the trial provides significant relief, the PNS is then permanently implanted under the skin and is then used for pain relief long-term. The trial is usually done in the clinic under sedation, and the permanent implant is generally done in an outpatient surgical center with minimal down-time and mild post-operative pain. Once the PNS has been implanted and the site has healed, patients can then return to their normal activities.

What kind of pain can PNS help treat?

• Back of Neck Pain
• Radiculopathy
• Post-Surgical Pain
• Occipital Neuralgia
• Shoulder, Knee, or Hip Pain
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• CRPS
• Other Neuropathic Pain that has not responded to conservative treatments

Another type of PNS that can be used is a temporary device that can be placed for 60 days. The device works to interrupt the pain signals coming from the affected nerve similar to the permanent PNS, but the device is then removed after 60 days. Relief from the temporary PNS can last from months to years.

What are the benefits?

Benefits of PNS include relief of chronic pain, reduced reliance on opioids or other chronic pain medication, improved quality of life, and a trial option to test out the device before a permanent implant is placed.

What are the risks?

Risks of the device include skin irritation/allergic reaction, lead migration, trial failure, infection, and nerve injury.

If you would like to speak to one of our skilled providers to learn more about PNS and the benefits that it can have for your pain, call or text our clinic at 801-572-1186.