The longer term effect of pulsed radiofrequency for neuropathic pain

Pulse radiofrequency has been recently described as a technique to apply a relatively high voltage near a nerve but without the usual effects of a rise in temperature or subsequent nerve injury. In this set of case reports, the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is described in patients with neuropathic pain syndromes which have been poorly controlled with other oral and invasive treatments. Whilst anecdotal, the results have been remarkable and should encourage further research into this technique. Observations from the basic science tend to support the concept that PRF may induce some sort of long-term depression in the spinal cord.