How Do Peripheral Stimulator Implants Work
What do Peripheral Nerve Stimulators Treat
Peripheral nerve stimulators are used to treat chronic nerve pain in the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system refers to all parts of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerve pain can be caused by underlying conditions like fibromyalgia, diabetic regional pain syndrome, trauma, scarring, and more. Nerve pain can also occur after an injury or surgery like an amputation.
Nerve pain is also known as neuropathic pain or neuralgia. It is defined by pain signals being transmitted to the brain with or without an obvious cause or injury. Nerve pain can feel like a sharp sudden electric shock, shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation. Generally speaking, neuropathy indicates a dysfunctional nerve that fires on its own. That firing sends electrical signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain.
What To Expect From PNS Implants
Peripheral nerve stimulators work interfering with the signals being sent to the brain, which in turn reduces and even eliminates the sensation of pain. Pain perception can only occur if the nerves in your body can properly send signals to the brain through your body’s nerve network. Think of a time when you had a paper cut or a splinter on a finger. You probably began to squeeze the finger because that reduced the pain. The squeezing provided pressure sensation. The signal from pressure sensation interfered with the pain signal generated by the cut or the splinter. Peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) work on the same principle.
Nerve pain is also known as neuropathic pain or neuralgia. It is defined by pain signals being transmitted to the brain with or without an obvious cause or injury. Nerve pain can feel like a sharp sudden electric shock, shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation. Generally speaking, neuropathy indicates a dysfunctional nerve that fires on its own. That firing sends electrical signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain.
Peripheral stimulator implants are shown to reduce pain in up to at least 70 percent of patients who receive this treatment. In Dr. Warner’s experience, the outcomes have been even better, with nearly 85% of patients receiving near-total pain control. Placement is very technique dependent and requires a surgeon with deep understanding of peripheral nerve pain and anatomy.
Think you may be a good candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation? Make an appointment with Warner Orthopedics & Wellness for a consultation to determine the best treatment plan for your pain management!
