Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS).
Performance Pain and Sports Medicine is excited to share with you all the essential details you need to know about this treatment option. Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)?
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, also known as PNS, is a treatment option that uses a small device to deliver electrical impulses to specific nerves in the body. These electrical impulses help to block pain signals that are being sent to the brain, which can result in pain relief for patients.
How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?
PNS works by delivering electrical impulses to the targeted nerves in the body. The device used in this treatment consists of a small generator and leads that are placed near the targeted nerves. Once the leads are in place, the generator is activated, and it sends electrical impulses to the nerves. These impulses interfere with the pain signals that are being sent to the brain, resulting in pain relief for patients. The system is tried on for up to ten days as a trial, or test drive, and if successful, then the device can be implanted.
Who Can Benefit from Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is an excellent treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic pain that have not responded well to other treatments. This type of treatment is often recommended for patients who have neuropathic pain or other types of chronic pain, such as pain caused by complex regional pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, a specific nerve injury, or peripheral neuropathy. Usually, we start with a diagnostic test dose of a numbing medication to see if your nerve responds, and if it does, then we know that it may respond to stimulation.
Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation offers several benefits to patients, including:
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Pain relief: PNS has been shown to be effective in providing pain relief for patients suffering from chronic pain.
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Reduced dependence on pain medication: Patients who undergo PNS treatment may be able to reduce their dependence on pain medication.
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Improved quality of life: Patients who experience pain relief through PNS treatment may enjoy an improved quality of life, as they can return to the activities they previously avoided due to pain.
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Minimally invasive: PNS treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. It is also completely reversible.
Risks of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with PNS treatment, including:
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Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any surgery, including PNS treatment.
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Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding at the site of the incision.
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Device failure: The generator used in PNS treatment may fail, which could result in the need for additional surgery.
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Device migration: The lead placed under the skin can move leading to device failure, which could result in the need for a revision surgery.
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Unwanted side effects: Some patients may experience unwanted side effects, such as tingling or numbness.
Conclusion:
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a safe and effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain that has not responded well to other treatments, PNS may be a viable option for you. We hope that our comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and information that will help you make informed decisions. The physicians at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine are leaders in the field of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, and are available to help you decide if PNS is right for your condition.
Dr. Suzanne Manzi and Dr. Matthias Wiederholz are available to perform PNS in the Houston and League City locations in Texas, as well as Lawrenceville in New Jersey.