Diabetic Neuropathy SCS
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1746881183
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a procedure used to manage chronic pain by delivering mild electrical impulses to targeted nerves. This process helps block pain signals before they reach the brain. It's particularly useful for conditions like neuropathic pain, which can occur after surgery, due to nerve damage from diabetes, or with conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
The procedure begins with a trial phase, where leads are temporarily placed under the skin near the affected nerve. You'll wear these electrodes for about one to two weeks. This trial helps determine if PNS effectively reduces your pain. If successful, a small device called an impulse generator is permanently implanted under your skin, connecting to the leads that send continuous stimulation to ease your pain. You can control the level of stimulation with a remote or even a smartphone app.
Risks exist, as with any surgery, including possible infection or nerve damage, and there could be battery or device malfunctions. Preparing for the procedure requires stopping blood thinners and avoiding certain medications for a couple of weeks. After the procedure, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities, particularly heavy lifting. Recovery from permanent implantation generally takes several weeks.
If PNS isn't suitable, other options include medication, physical therapy, or more extensive procedures like spinal cord stimulation. PNS can be highly effective for those who have not found relief with conventional treatments, offering renewed mobility and pain reduction.
FAQs
How should one prepare for a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure?
Preparation for PNS involves stopping blood thinners and avoiding certain medications a couple of weeks before the procedure. During the trial phase, local anesthesia or sedation is used for electrode insertion, while the permanent implantation requires general anesthesia or conscious sedation.
What are the alternative treatments if PNS is not suitable?
If PNS is not suitable, other treatment options include medication therapies like opioids or NSAIDs, physical therapy for muscle-related pain, and more extensive procedures such as spinal cord stimulation for pervasive pain. Each alternative has different efficacy rates and side effect profiles.
What are the potential risks associated with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
As with any surgical procedure, PNS carries risks such as infection, nerve damage, and possible device malfunctions. There might also be issues with battery life or material allergies. The trial phase could cause skin irritation or electrode dislodgement.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) and how does it work?
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a medical procedure used to manage chronic pain by sending mild electrical impulses to specific nerves. These electrical pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, making it particularly useful for conditions like neuropathic pain, which can result from surgery, diabetes-induced nerve damage, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
What is the process involved in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
The PNS process begins with a trial phase where electrodes are temporarily placed under the skin near the targeted nerve for one to two weeks. During this time, patients can determine if PNS reduces their pain effectively. If successful, a small impulse generator is permanently implanted under the skin, connected to the electrodes to provide continuous stimulation. Patients can adjust the stimulation level using a remote or smartphone app.