Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive therapy for people with certain types of chronic nerve pain. PNS is a safe, same-day procedure that can offer significant relief to patients for whom other treatments such as medication and other pain procedures have not been effective.

Peripheral nerves are the nerves that extend outside of the brain and spinal cord and connect to our organs and extremities. Under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, a PNS system can be implanted to target the precise peripheral nerves causing pain.

Pain Conditions Treated by PNS

  • Chronic back pain
  • Headaches with occipital nerve irritation
  • Nerve compression
  • Chronic neuropathic pain of the upper and lower extremities
  • Persistent shoulder and knee pain
  • Groin or nerve pain after surgery

How the PNS Procedure Works

During the PNS procedure, a thin wire with small metal electrodes near the tip is implanted under ultrasound or x-ray guidance next to the pain-causing nerve. Electrical pulses generated by the electrodes interfere with pain signals that are being sent to the brain and change the way the brain perceives pain.

The implanted electrode receives energy from an external device which includes a transmitter and antenna. When turned on, the stimulation feels like nothing to a mild tingling in the area where pain is felt.

Depending on the PNS system used, a simple hand-held remote may allow you to control the level of stimulation. Based on the condition treated, most patients experience sustained relief even after the wire is removed and the treatment ends.

PNS System Components

  • A small battery/transmitter placed on or under the skin
  • A wire that delivers electrical pulses
  • An external device used to control it depending on the type of PNS system

Who Is a Candidate for PNS

PNS may be an option if:

  • Your pain is caused by a peripheral neuropathy
  • Conservative treatment options (medications, physical therapy, procedures, etc.) have not worked
  • You are not a candidate for or do not wish to have further surgery
  • Your pain is not due to an easily correctable problem
  • You do not have significant medical or psychological conditions that would make the PNS implantation procedure unsafe

PNS Eligibility

Here is the process to determine if you are a candidate for PNS therapy.

  1. A pain physician will evaluate your pain condition to determine whether your pain syndrome may be helped by PNS.
  2. The pain physician may perform a nerve block with local anesthetic and/or steroid medication to evaluate if your pain improves with treating a specific nerve.
  3. Once you are qualified for a PNS therapy, a physician may place a temporary trial stimulator to decide if PNS is right for you. If your pain is greater than 50%, then a permanent simulator may be implanted.
  4. If the trial provides significant pain relief, the next step is permanent implantation which can remain in place for a brief period or for a longer duration depending on the pain condition treated.

With PNS therapy, you may experience relief of your chronic pain, improved mobility and an overall better quality of life. Peripheral nerve stimulation have been clinically proven to reduce chronic pain. Your pain may not be removed entirely, but some patients have reported complete pain relief. Results may vary.

Choosing Froedtert & MCW Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treatment

There are several attributes that set our program apart.

  • Our pain management and peripheral nerve stimulation program consists of a team of pain management physicians who offer the appropriate treatment recommendations for PNS therapy.
  • Our physicians are fellowship trained with additional studies in neuromodulation (including PNS) and all aspects of pain medicine.
  • As an academic medical center, the physician specialists have quick access to the latest scientific advancements and technology in PNS therapy.