Patients suffering from chronic nerve and musculoskeletal pain now have an advanced and minimally-invasive option to gain long-term relief without surgery and a reliance on medication with the introduction of the peripheral nerve stimulation treatment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health.
Peripheral nerves are found outside the brain and spinal cord and extend to the organs and extremities. They control the functions of sensation, movement and motor coordination, and can be damaged easily. By using a small implant to deliver electrical impulses to the nerve, the peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) technique can significantly reduce pain for a number of conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), foot pain, headache disorders, lower back and neck pain, pain from a hernia or knee surgery, and post-amputation or phantom limb pain.
“PNS is the newest, advanced option for pain management at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The minimally-invasive nature of the implant and constantly advancing PNS technology makes it a desirable method to manage pain in the right patient. It allows them to gradually reduce their reliance on medication, while also giving them superior, long-term pain relief,” says Dr. Amar Salti, a staff Physician in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
The PNS device consists of electrodes that are placed under the skin, near to where the pain originates. The patient first enters a trial phase where several nerve points are stimulated with low-frequency electrical impulses from a temporary implant until the nerve that is sending the pain signals is located. If the procedure shows results, the pain management expert programs the stimulator to give the patient the best pain relief possible. The patient is provided with a remote device and instructions on how to control it themselves.
Dr. Salti says that PNS is recommended to patients with chronic pain after a thorough assessment of their medical history, and after identifying the source of the pain.
“There are various factors to consider before we recommend this treatment, including whether this is persistent pain. Patients who have not found adequate relief after 12 weeks of pain even on medication, and with other treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation, and physical therapy, may benefit from PNS. Patients see results instantly, and in six to eight weeks they can expect about a 50 percent or more reduction in pain.”
The first two patients who were implanted with the device in July for ankle and lower leg pain at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have already reported a significant improvement in their condition.
“We never tell the patient that this treatment will rid them of the pain completely, but it allows them to manage it better. Imagine being unable to walk, drive, work, exercise or play with your children because of daily excruciating pain. We are now able to help these patients improve their quality of life through a simple, low-risk procedure.”
