Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a medical procedure in which an electrical current is delivered to the peripheral nerves to relieve chronic pain. The electrical current is delivered through small electrodes that are placed near the affected nerves. PNS is sometimes used as an alternative to more invasive pain management procedures, such as surgery, and it has been shown to be effective in providing relief from a variety of chronic pain conditions.
Let’s Discuss Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Or Call 504-732-1094
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treated Conditions
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent and intense burning pain in various body parts.
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy – Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period.
- Ilioinguinal Neuralgia – Ilioinguinal neuralgia is a type of chronic pain that affects the ilioinguinal nerve, which is located in the lower abdomen and groin area. This condition is caused by irritation or damage to the ilioinguinal nerve, which can be the result of trauma, surgery, infection, or other factors.
- Intercostal Neuralgia – Intercostal neuralgia is a type of chronic pain that affects the intercostal nerves, which are located between the ribs. This condition is caused by irritation or damage to the intercostal nerves, which can be the result of trauma, surgery, infection, or other factors.
- Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Neuropathy (Meralgia Paresthetica) – Lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy, also known as meralgia paresthetica, is a condition that occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs from the spine to the skin on the upper thigh, is compressed or damaged. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.
- Low Back Pain – Lower back pain is a common condition affecting many people worldwide. An injury or strain to the muscles, ligaments or damaged discs are typically to blame.
- Neck Pain – Neck pain is also a commonplace condition that can affect anyone. Muscle strain, damaged discs, sport injuries and more can cause neck pain.
- Occipital Neuralgia – Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache that causes intense and sharp pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes. PNS works by sending electrical pulses to the nerve, which can help to reduce the signals that cause this pain.
- Pain Following Hernia Surgery – Some patients may experience pain, discomfort or tenderness in the area where their Hernia surgery occurred. The insertion of a small electrode during Peripheral Nerve Stimulation can help deliver electrical pulses to the nerve endings, which can disrupt the pain signals.
- Painful Nerve Injuries – A nerve injury may throughout the body as a result of trauma, pressure, stretching, or injury.
- Painful Peripheral Neuropathies – Peripheral neuropathies are a series of conditions that occur when the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that transport messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, are damaged.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease Neuropathy – PVDN is a type of nerve damage characterized by decreased sensation and motor control in the extremities.
- Postamputation (Stump) Pain – Postamputation pain is pain that occurs after the amputation of a limb or other body part. This type of pain can be caused by a number of factors, including nerve damage that occurred during the amputation, the development of scar tissue, or the brain’s continued attempts to send signals to the missing body part.
- Postherpetic Neuralgia – Postherpetic Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that develops in some people following an outbreak of shingles.
- Post thoracotomy Syndrome – Post-thoracotomy syndrome is a condition that can occur after a person has undergone a thoracotomy, which is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the chest wall to access the thoracic cavity.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia – Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is the main nerve in the face. This condition is characterized by sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain that typically lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. The pain is often triggered by normal activities, such as eating, speaking, or brushing teeth.
Why Lonseth Interventional Pain Centers?
At New Orleans’ Lonseth Interventional Pain Centers, our double board-certified doctors are experienced in providing Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) services. Our experienced team of specialists understands the complexities of PNS and has developed the best methods for providing safe, effective, and long-lasting relief for your pain.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation FAQ
Patients are generally awake during a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure. This allows for the appropriate testing of the electrodes and ensuring they’re in the right area. Patients are given a local anesthetic and X-Ray guidance is then used to locate the targeted area of pain. Next, the device undergoes a series of tests. This allows you to tell your doctor if you feel stimulation in the correct place. You will be advised to try out the stimulation for approximately one week before deciding if this is the correct treatment option for you. If so, you’ll be scheduled for part two, which is the permanent implant.
Studies have shown that PNS effectively reduces or eliminates chronic pain in up to 70% of patients who use it.
The benefits of peripheral nerve stimulation can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of their pain. In general, however, the effects of peripheral nerve stimulation are not permanent, and the benefits may need to be maintained through regular treatments. Some people may experience long-term relief from their pain, while others may require ongoing treatment to control their symptoms. It is important to speak with a doctor about the potential benefits and risks of this treatment option.