Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

What is a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?

A peripheral nerve stimulator is a device that sends electrical impulses directly to specific nerves in the peripheral nervous system. These impulses are intended to modify nerve activity to reduce chronic pain. The stimulator used consists of a small lead which is implanted close to the peripheral nerve.

What conditions are treated with a peripheral nerve stimulator?

Peripheral nerve stimulators are most commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions in the lower extremities that have not responded well to more conventional treatments. These conditions include:

Chronic Nerve pain in legs, ankle or feet
Chronic Tarsal Tunnel syndrome
Post Herpetic neuralgia in lower extremities and chronic Neuralgia
Chronic Sciatic pain in the lower extremities
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Peripheral neuropathy
Post-surgical pain
Revisional peripheral nerve surgeries and failure

FAQ
Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

The device works by emitting low-voltage electrical currents to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, a technique often referred to as neuromodulation. The electrical impulses can adjust how nerves and muscles respond to pain, potentially diminishing the patient’s perception of pain and improving quality of life.

The primary benefit of using a peripheral nerve stimulator is the significant reduction in chronic pain, which can profoundly enhance a patient’s quality of life. This treatment allows many individuals to decrease their reliance on pain medications, particularly opioids, which have potential side effects and risk of dependency. The ability to adjust the stimulation settings or temporarily turn off the device provides flexibility in managing pain according to varying daily needs and activities. Additionally, the procedure to implant the device is minimally invasive, involves minimal recovery time, and the device can be completely removed if it becomes necessary, making it a reversible option for pain management. These features make peripheral nerve stimulation a valuable option for patients seeking effective and manageable solutions to chronic pain.

A peripheral nerve stimulator is usually considered when conventional pain management strategies fail to provide adequate relief, or when side effects from other treatments are intolerable. When a peripheral has been surgically addressed and not an option to reconstruct or repair a nerve is ideal. Patients who are ideal for this type of treatment will undergo a trial procedure in the office by Dr. Buksh . This is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office to test and make sure that patient will respond to the PNS prior to permanent implantation. Implantation of the PNS is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital setting.