Trigemino-Cervical Neuropathic Pain Relieved by Serially Repeated Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation Without...

Area of Science:

• Neuromodulation
• Pain Management
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Background:

• Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) is gaining traction for treating neuropathic pain (NPP) due to its safety and simplicity.
• PNFS represents a resurgence in the therapeutic application of peripheral nerve stimulation.

Observation:

• A case study involved a 70-year-old woman with severe, intractable unilateral scalp and facial neuropathic pain (NPP) for 20 years post-surgery.
• Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) was administered 25 times over five years, providing significant relief from pain and allodynia.
• No tolerance to the therapeutic effects of PNFS was observed during the treatment period.

Findings:

• Serial, repeated peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) can achieve sustained pain relief for neuropathic pain (NPP).
• The treatment demonstrated efficacy over an extended duration without the development of tolerance.
• Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) proved effective in a patient who had previously undergone unsuccessful treatments.

Implications:

• Repeated PNFS is a viable long-term strategy for managing neuropathic pain (NPP).
• This approach offers a valuable alternative when permanent implants are not feasible or desired.
• Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) provides a sustained, non-tolerating therapeutic option for chronic neuropathic pain (NPP).