Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

What is peripheral nerve stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is an innovative pain management technique that uses a mild electrical pulse to block pain signals. 

Your doctor implants a wire lead near to the malfunctioning nerve and a small external pulse transmitter. The peripheral nerve stimulation device also has a little remote control that allows you to control the electrical pulse. 

Why would I need peripheral nerve stimulation?

The team at US Neuropathy Centers recommends peripheral nerve stimulation to treat:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Ilioinguinal neuralgia
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy 
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Occipital neuralgia
• Pain following surgery (hernia, knee, foot)
• Nerve injuries
• Peripheral neuropathies
• Peripheral vascular disease neuropathy
• Postamputation pain
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Trigeminal neuropathic pain

If you have chronic nerve pain, contact US Neuropathy Centers to find out if peripheral nerve stimulation is right for you.

What happens during peripheral nerve stimulation?

After locating the nerve causing your pain, your doctor at US Neuropathy Centers implants the peripheral nerve stimulation device in two phases. 

During the first stage, they place a temporary electrode near to your malfunctioning nerve. The wire stays in place for approximately a week to ensure peripheral nerve stimulation relieves your pain.

Then, in the second phase, your doctor implants your permanent device, including the lead and the small external power source. The implantation process is minimally invasive and only requires a local anesthetic. The implantation procedure is usually complete within 30 minutes. 

A peripheral nerve stimulation device also has a hand-held remote control that allows you to control the pulse and manage your pain. 

What should I expect after peripheral nerve stimulator implantation?

You should be able to get up and walk around soon after implantation of your device. Your doctor gives you specific instructions on how to take care of the implantation site and the small power generator both as you heal and on an on-going basis.

You can control the electrical pulse, increasing or decreasing the frequency and strength to reduce your pain. In most cases, you can get back to your regular activities almost immediately. 

If peripheral nerve pain is disrupting your quality of life, call US Neuropathy Centers or make an appointment online today to find out if peripheral nerve stimulation is right for you.