Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) in Queens, NY

What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is an innovative treatment that uses mild electrical impulses to block pain signals traveling along peripheral nerves. By disrupting how the nervous system processes pain, PNS can provide long-term relief for patients struggling with chronic or neuropathic pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments.

At Axis Pain and Sports Management, Dr. Yakub Abrakhimov, MD offers PNS as part of a comprehensive approach to advanced interventional pain management.

How Does PNS Work?

• Small electrical leads are placed near targeted peripheral nerves.
  
• The leads deliver controlled electrical impulses that modulate pain signals.
  
• This changes how the brain perceives pain, leading to sustained relief.
  

The treatment is minimally invasive and performed under image guidance for safety and precision.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PNS?

You may benefit from PNS if you have:

• Chronic pain that has not improved with medications, injections, or physical therapy
  
• Neuropathic pain caused by conditions like nerve injury, sciatica, or post-surgical pain
  
• Persistent pain after amputation
  
• Chronic back or limb pain
  
• A successful trial stimulation period that demonstrates pain relief
  

Patients in good overall health are typically strong candidates, as this lowers the risk of complications.

The PNS Process

1. Consultation: Dr. Abrakhimov reviews your medical history, symptoms, and imaging to determine whether PNS is an appropriate option.

2. Trial Period: A temporary PNS device is implanted for several days to evaluate its effectiveness. During this time, patients are encouraged to test normal daily activities. If pain relief is achieved, the device can be removed easily in-office.

3. Permanent Implantation: If the trial is successful, a permanent stimulator is placed during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure:

• Performed under local anesthesia with light sedation
  
• Small leads are inserted near the affected nerves using fluoroscopic guidance
  
• A pulse generator (battery) is implanted under the skin, typically in the abdominal area or upper buttock
  
• The system is programmed and adjusted during follow-up visits for optimal relief

Recovery and Results

Most patients resume normal activity within a few weeks. Clinical studies show PNS provides meaningful and lasting relief for conditions such as neuropathic pain, post-amputation pain, and chronic back or limb pain.

Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

• Minimally invasive and outpatient-based
  
• Reduces or eliminates the need for opioids and other pain medications
  
• Provides sustained relief from nerve-related pain
  
• Improves mobility and function
  
• Personalized programming for patient comfort and results