Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) Treatment In Live Oak, Texas
At Pain Management of SA, we are among the first to acknowledge that persistent pain can detrimentally affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there have been advances in medical technology that provide new solutions to this, one of the most significant being peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). There are exciting and vast possibilities for this technology due to its exciting ability to manage pain for San Antonio locals.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)?
PNS is a procedure that places a device in the body to send electric signals to the nerves at different points. This can be applied to the peripheral nerves, which carry information from various parts of our bodies to our brain, namely pain signals. Pain relief can then be achieved by blocking pain information with a mild electric current.
PNS has two major classifications:
- Percutaneous PNS : With this technique, slim needles are placed around the nerve that is being targeted. These needles are linked with a stimulator – a small external device producing electric pulses. Generally, percutaneous PNS is used for short-term relief or diagnostic tests of pain.
- Implanted PNS : With this technique, a thin wire containing electrodes is surgically placed close to the required nerve. This wire, known as a lead, is connected to a pulse generator, a small implantable device located under the skin in the chest/abdomen region. This pulse generator delivers continuous or programmed electrical stimulation. Implanted PNS was developed for long-term pain management.
How Can PNS Help with Pain Management?
PNS is known as one of the methods with a lot of possibilities in terms of its treatment for various chronic pain conditions. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Neuropathic pain : This happens due to direct damage caused by factors such as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations in the nerves. Shingles, post-surgical pains, and diabetic neuropathy, among others, can be effectively relieved by PNS.
- Chronic lower backache : PNS can concentrate on the nerves that populate almost any bodily region, including the lower back, thus reducing pain intensity and increasing flexibility.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes : CRPS and Complex Pelvic Pain are just two examples of complex pain syndromes in which PNS may provide some relief .
- Migraines and headaches : PNS might help prevent or lessen the severity of specific headaches, including migraines.
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Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Compared to traditional methods of pain control, PNS has several benefits:
- Minimal invasion : PNS is a less invasive operation than surgery. This leads to shorter recovery periods and lower chances of complications.
- Relief at the right place : PNS can provide localized relief because it targets the exact source of pain.
- Less medicine required : Thanks to PNS systems, patients can use less pain-relieving medication, which can mean fewer side effects.
- Better living standards : Most importantly–it works! When used correctly, this method can have tremendously positive impacts by giving you control over those daily activities that have become impossible due to the persistent discomfort you are looking to solve.
Who is a Candidate for PNS?
PNS procedure is not necessarily for everyone, so it is essential to consult with pain management specialists in San Antonio to determine if you are a good candidate. Here are some of the factors that will be considered when determining whether or not someone qualifies for PNS:
- The kind and area of their pain
- How severe and long-lasting it has been
- What other methods they have attempted that worked or didn't work in controlling pain
- Their general health status
What to Expect During PNS Treatment
The number of particular stages in managing PNS will depend on whether you go through a percutaneous trial or receive an implanted system.
Percutaneous PNS Trial:
- A doctor inserts thin needles near the targeted nerve.
- The needles are connected to a stimulator that delivers electrical pulses.
- You'll experience a tingling sensation in the area of pain.
- The doctor will adjust the stimulation parameters to achieve optimal pain relief.
- The trial typically lasts for a few days to evaluate the effectiveness of PNS for your pain.
Implanted PNS System:
If the percutaneous trial is successful, you may be a candidate for an implanted PNS system.
- This is a minor outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia.
- A lead with electrodes is placed near the targeted nerve.
- The lead is tunneled under the skin and connected to a pulse generator implanted under the skin in the chest or abdomen.
- The pulse generator delivers continuous or programmed electrical stimulation.
- You can control the stimulation settings using an external programmer.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of PNS
PNS is generally considered safe, but some potential risks and side effects include:
- Infection at the implantation site
- Discomfort or pain at the implantation site
- Lead migration (with implanted systems)
- Equipment malfunction
These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced pain management specialist in San Antonio for the procedure.
FAQs
Although it is effective in treating many types of long-term or recurring pain, especially in a patients limbs, whether or not PNS is suitable for a you or your loved ones will depend on the individual, their medical record, and overall health status. Thus, consulting a qualified healthcare provider is essential to know if this treatment option may work in an individual case.
As with any other medical procedure, peripheral nerve stimulation has some risks, although they are considered very low. These include infection around where it was implanted, discomfort after surgery, and complications related to devices used during the operation, among others. However, following correct protocols and closely monitoring patients can minimize these risks, leading to favorable outcomes.
The period over which pain may be relieved using PNS varies depending on factors such as the patient’s specific health condition being treated and personal response. While relief is continuous throughout extended durations for some individuals, others need periodic readjustments to realize maximum effectiveness. Regular follow-ups allow continual evaluation and modification of care plans based on current needs.