Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Specialist

What are the peripheral nerves?

Your peripheral nerves are outside of your brain and spine (your central nervous system). The peripheral nervous system funnels information between your brain and the other parts of your body. 

There are three types of peripheral nerves:

• Sensory nerves - transmit pain and other sensations
• Autonomic nerves - regulate unconscious acts like breathing
• Motor nerves - regulate conscious acts like walking

When there's a problem in your peripheral nervous system, you may have issues in any of these areas. Sensory nerve problems, including chronic pain, are very common.

What is peripheral nerve stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is a chronic pain treatment in which the Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, team surgically implants a tiny electrode near a pain-causing nerve. 

Typically, a battery-powered stimulator goes just under your skin. The stimulator relays signals to the electrode, producing rapid-fire electrical impulses.  

These impulses cause minor tingles that essentially replace pain signals to ease your pain. You can adjust the stimulation using a remote control device. The battery usually lasts at least several years, and the team can easily replace it when needed. 

Peripheral nerve stimulation is similar to spinal cord stimulation. The primary difference between the two systems is that peripheral nerve stimulation targets nerves outside your spine while spinal cord stimulation affects those inside your spine. 

When might I need peripheral nerve stimulation?

The Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, team might recommend peripheral nerve stimulation if you have chronic treatment-resistant pain. Generally, it means that physical therapy and medication can't control your pain. 

Some conditions that may respond well to peripheral nerve stimulation include:

• Trigeminal neuropathic pain
• Nerve injuries
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Occipital neuralgia
• Phantom limb pain
• Neuropathy
• Chronic migraines (transformed migraines) and other chronic headaches
• Postherpetic neuralgia (burning pain caused by shingles)
• Post-amputation pain

While peripheral nerve stimulation is primarily a treatment for chronic pain, the team may also recommend this option for overactive bladder or fecal incontinence. 

If you're considering peripheral nerve stimulation, Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, does a trial run, during which you have an external stimulator. If you get good results, you can proceed with the permanent peripheral nerve stimulator implantation.

Peripheral nerve stimulation can help you function while significantly reducing your pain. Call Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, to book a consultation now.