Electrical impulses can be used to interrupt pain signals in the nerves. For patients with nerve pain, nerve stimulation can offer a safe option for managing chronic pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation is a treatment used to address pain coming from the peripheral nerves, which are nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Trinity Surgery Center offers peripheral nerve stimulation trial and implant surgery at our clinic in San Jose.

How It Works

The peripheral nerve stimulation implant looks like a small wire. It is implanted near the source of peripheral nerve pain – this can be anywhere in the body. A small transmitter is worn touching the skin to send electrical impulses that are received by the implant, controlled through a computer or mobile device application. The electrical impulses can interrupt pain signals, allowing the patient to manage their pain when it occurs with a remote device. This can reduce the need for pain medications and other pain management treatments, improving a patient’s health and quality of life.

What to Expect

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be effective for relieving pain for a variety of nerve pain disorders, such as CRPS, diabetic neuropathy, migraines/headaches, neck/back pain and other nerve pain issues. However, it is not effective for everyone. A peripheral nerve stimulation trial is needed to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the implant. A temporary electrode is placed at the pain area with a transmitter. The trial usually lasts about 3-5 days. If the PNS trial is effective, the permanent PNS implant procedure can be recommended and scheduled.

The peripheral nerve stimulation trial and implant surgery are both outpatient procedures that are minimally-invasive. We offer both procedures at Trinity Surgery Center in San Jose, CA. To learn more, talk to your doctor or pain specialist about whether or not you are a good candidate for a PNS trial.