Chronic nerve pain can interfere with sleep, movement, and everyday activities. When other treatments haven’t provided enough relief, peripheral nerve stimulation, or PNS, may offer another option.
At Pain Consultants of East Tennessee, your specialist can evaluate the source of your pain and determine whether this treatment fits your needs.
What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
Peripheral nerves carry information between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. PNS uses mild electrical pulses to change how pain signals travel through selected peripheral nerves.
Thin wires called leads sit beneath the skin near the targeted nerve. These leads deliver stimulation from a small device.
PNS targets peripheral nerves rather than the spinal cord. Your specialist will explain which approach, if either, is appropriate for your condition.
How Does the Nalu System Work?
PCET offers peripheral nerve stimulation with the Nalu™ system.
Nalu combines an implanted microstimulator and leads with an external, wearable Therapy Disc. The disc supplies power to the implant, so the implanted microstimulator does not contain a battery.
Your care team programs the system and teaches you how to use its controls. They can also adjust settings to help balance pain relief and comfort.
Who May Benefit From PNS?
The Nalu PNS system is intended for adults with severe, persistent chronic pain that originates in peripheral nerves. It is not intended to treat pain in the head or face.
An evaluation may be appropriate when previous treatments haven’t provided adequate relief. Your specialist will consider:
- Your diagnosis and the location of your pain.
- Previous treatments and their results.
- Your overall health and suitability for a procedure.
- Your comfort with wearing and operating the system.
However, having nerve pain does not automatically make someone a candidate.
What Happens During a PNS Trial?
A temporary trial helps you and your specialist evaluate your response before considering a long-term implant.
Your specialist places leads near the selected nerve and connects them to the trial system. During this period, you’ll track your pain and discuss whether treatment helps with activities that matter to you.
Afterward, your care team will review the results and explain the next steps. A helpful trial may support proceeding, but it cannot guarantee long-term relief.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
PNS offers a targeted approach to managing certain types of chronic nerve pain. The system delivers electrical stimulation rather than medication, and its settings can be adjusted.
For some people, reduced pain may make daily activities easier. Nevertheless, results vary.
PNS may also complement other care, including rehabilitation or medication management. Do not change prescribed medications without guidance from your clinician.
What Are the Risks and Limitations?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, lead movement, skin irritation, and discomfort around the implant. Stimulation may feel uncomfortable, and some people experience inadequate relief.
Additional procedures may be necessary to adjust, replace, or remove components. Although removal is possible, it involves another procedure.
Your care team will explain recovery instructions, device precautions, and follow-up care before you decide.
Explore Peripheral Nerve Stimulation at PCET
If persistent nerve pain limits your daily life, an evaluation can help clarify your treatment options.
Learn more on our peripheral nerve stimulation page, watch the Nalu video below, or call (865) 579-0552 to schedule an appointment.
