Peripheral nerves run throughout the body carrying messages for movement and sensation. Performed on an outpatient basis, peripheral nerve stimulation places electrodes along the course of peripheral nerves, which are nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
The procedure begins when the patient is given a local anesthetic (numbing agent) at the site of the insertion. The physician places a temporary stimulator wire along the painful nerve. Patients typically undergo a trial for several days to see if they feel better.
Following a successful trial, a permanent device, consisting of thin wires with electrical leads on their tips, is placed through a needle under the skin. In addition, a battery is placed under the skin through a small incision. Everything is small enough to remain hidden under the skin. The system can be turned on or off by the patient using a remote control.
In addition to nerve injuries, a peripheral nerve stimulator implant is often used to treat conditions such as CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and lower back pain.
The trial procedure, performed on an outpatient basis, takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is followed by a short period of observed recovery. The procedure to implant the long-term device is performed by a surgeon in an outpatient surgical setting and, generally, takes about two hours.
The peripheral nerve stimulator implant is usually permanent but can be easily reversed. Batteries will need to be replaced every few years, but this is a simple procedure.