Neurostimulation of the Upper Extremity by Conventional Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Abstract

The etiology of upper extremity pain is complex and includes numerous disease processes. The presence of burning, shooting, or lancinating pain is more consistent with neuropathic pain and greatly focuses the differential diagnosis and potential treatment. Neuropathic pain is often function limiting and is usually exacerbated in the evening hours, which may limit sleep. The pain algorithm for these conditions includes oral and topical agents, physical medicine, and surgical nerve release. In many cases these innervations fail and the need to consider neurostimulation should be on the physician’s radar.