Abstract
Neuromodulation by stimulation is most likely active by changing the balance in excitatory and inhibitory fibers based on the theory of Melzak and Wall. Since its introduction, neuromodulation strategies have progressively been advancing into the periphery. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is the direct electrical stimulation of named nerves outside of the neuroaxis. Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) is the stimulation of unnamed small nerves in the vicinity of pain by superficial, subcutaneous lead placement. Historically, PNS can be performed via an open surgical or percutaneous technique, well described by Stanton-Hicks. The percutaneous technique for both PNS and PNFS has now become more common and presents less risk and invasiveness to the patient. Because of this evolution to less invasive therapies, and the applicability to modern pain practice, this chapter will focus on these more practical approaches to targeting the nervous system.
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© 2013 American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Pope, J.E., Deer, T.R., Grigsby, E.J., Kim, P.S. (2013). Stimulation of the Peripheral Nerve and Peripheral Nerve Field. In: Deer, T., et al. Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Pain by Medical, Interventional, and Integrative Approaches. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1560-2_57
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1560-2_57
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