Intractable Chronic pain
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months.1 This pain can become constant and progressively worse or reoccur periodically; there is no resolution for the underlying cause. Intractable chronic pain results from diseased or damaged nerves and typically cannot be cured, but only managed, with long-term therapies.
Neurostimulation
Neurostimulation is a process in which thin wires are placed under the skin of the back next to the spinal cord or a peripheral nerve. These wires are called “leads” and carry mild electric pulses which calms the nerves sending pain signals to the brain. These leads are controlled by an implanted pulse generator (IPG) which determines the type and duration of these pulses.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
This system is indicated as the sole mitigating agent, or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach for chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain. The trial devices are solely used for trial stimulation (no longer than 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for permanent (long term) device.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
This system is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent, or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The Nalu Neurostimulation System for PNS is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region. The trial devices are solely used for trial stimulation (no longer than 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for permanent (long term) device.
1. www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-in-depth
