Who Might Benefit from Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
PNS is especially helpful for people living with chronic pain that doesn’t respond to medication or other therapies. It may be recommended for those dealing with:
- Nerve pain from injuries or diabetic neuropathy
- Pain that lingers after surgery, including amputations or hernia repairs
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the arms or legs
- Severe headaches or migraines that don’t improve with standard treatment
- Chronic pelvic pain conditions like interstitial cystitis or overactive bladder
Since PNS can be reversed and doesn’t require major surgery, it’s a great option for patients who want relief without long recovery times or ongoing medication use.
How the Procedure Works
Treatment with PNS happens in two steps: a trial phase and, if it works well, a permanent implant.
Trial Phase: During the trial, your doctor places a temporary electrode near the targeted nerve. This is connected to an external device, allowing you to test how well the stimulation helps your pain.
Permanent Implant: If the trial brings noticeable relief, a small pulse generator is implanted under the skin during a follow-up procedure. The device sends electrical signals to the nerve, and you’ll be able to adjust the settings to find what works best for you.
Most people recover quickly after each phase, often returning to normal activities within a few days. For many, PNS offers long-term pain control and greater independence in managing their symptoms.