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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management: A Review

  • Neuromodulation (A Abd-Elsayed, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Peripheral nerve stimulation has seen a recent upsurge in utilization for various chronic pain conditions, specifically from a neuropathic etiology, where a single peripheral nerve can be pinpointed as a culprit for pain.

Recent Findings

There is conflicting evidence about the efficacy and long-term outcomes of peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain, with most studies being small sized. The focus of this article is to review available evidence for the utilization of peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain syndromes as well as upcoming evidence in the immediate postoperative realm.

Summary

The indications for the use of PNS have expanded from neuropathic pain such as occipital neuralgia and post-amputation pain, to more widespread disease processes such as chronic low back pain. Percutaneous PNS delivered over a 60-day period may provide significant carry-over effects including pain relief, potentially avoiding the need for a permanently implanted system while enabling improved function in patients with chronic pain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, TMP306510, USA

    Robert M. Chow & Kanishka Rajput

  2. Medical Student-3, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA

    Ryan Yesung Lee

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Correspondence to Kanishka Rajput.

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Chow, R.M., Lee, R.Y. & Rajput, K. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management: A Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 27, 321–327 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01143-0

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