Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation, or PNS, is an outpatient neuromodulation therapy that provides targeted pain relief for patients suffering from chronic pain or neuropathy. 

How does PNS work?

Pain occurs as a result of signals sent from the nerves in our body. When a nerve becomes inflamed, injured, or damaged, it will send out these signals continuously, producing constant pain. 

Neuromodulation therapy like PNS changes nerve activity by directly stimulating the targeted nerves to produce a natural biological response. PNS works to interrupt the signals being sent by a damaged nerve, essentially stopping the pain at its source. A small electrical device or wire is implanted just under the skin near the damaged nerve sending pain signals to the brain. Activated by a remote and a sock or band worn around the ankle, the device delivers electrical impulses directly to specific peripheral nerves, stimulating them and changing the way the brain perceives and responds to the pain.

Who is a good candidate for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

You may be a good candidate for PNS if you:

• Experience chronic pain of any kind. Chronic pain is caused by inflamed or damaged nerves and is characterized by persistent pain that can last from several weeks to years.
• Suffer from neuropathy, a condition caused by damaged nerves. Neuropathy is characterized by weakness, numbness, and pain—typically in the feet and hands—and is common in people with diabetes. Neuropathy can also result from toxic exposure, injury, or infection. 
• Have not achieved sustained pain relief from traditional and/or medication therapies, such as injections or nerve blocks.
• Want to stop or avoid pain medication or surgery to treat your chronic pain.

PNS may also be effective in treating conditions like post-amputation pain syndrome, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and nerve injuries.

To be considered for PNS therapy, you will need to undergo an evaluation with a specialist, which will include identifying the distinct peripheral nerve causing your pain; determining if you could benefit from other more conservative treatments first; and identifying any factors like mental health that could affect the effectiveness of your outcomes.

What are the benefits of PNS?

PNS is an alternative to the traditional medication or treatment options used to treat neuropathy or chronic pain, especially for patients for whom traditional therapies have not been successful or optimized for adequate pain relief. Traditional medication therapies have a host of drawbacks and side effects, including limited relief and the risk of dependency. Medication can also make patients tired, interfering with their lifestyle and affecting their quality of life in general. 

On the other hand, not only does PNS target pain at its source, but it requires no implants of batteries and the device never has to be replaced. Moreover, the sock or ankle band that produces the stimulation doesn’t have to be turned on or worn all the time—only when and where relief is needed.

PNS has shown a high success rate and produces almost immediate results. While PNS may not completely eliminate all pain, most patients’ pain scores drop dramatically to the point where they can now make significant positive life changes.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Therapy at CardioVascular Health Clinic

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, PNS therapy can be performed in a simple outpatient setting. The procedure takes around 20 minutes and can be done with local or even light sedation. Some patients who have received PNS from CardioVascular Clinic have experienced complete pain relief, the first time in their lives for many.

CardioVascular Health Clinic is committed to providing innovative solutions to vascular and cardiovascular patients, and PNS is just the latest in the clinic’s robust repertoire of ground-breaking therapies. With it, the multi-disciplinary team of physicians and specialists at CardioVascular Health Clinic continues to lead the country in advanced treatment options, providing Oklahomans with the comprehensive quality care they deserve.

You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Find out if PNS is right for you by scheduling an appointment at CardioVascular Health Clinic today. Call 405-701-9880, or use our convenient online appointment scheduler. You can also email us at info@cvhealthclinic.com. It’s time to treat your chronic pain or neuropathy with CardioVascular Health Clinic.