AI Article Synopsis

  • Researchers conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and effects of percutaneous nerve stimulation (P(E)NS) on patients with chronic neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injuries, as current treatment options are often ineffective.
  • Out of 26 patients screened, 17 participated, with a high questionnaire return rate of 91.2%, and only two patients dropped out; the procedures had minimal side effects reported.
  • Results showed a significant decrease in pain levels, with many participants reporting at least a 30% reduction in pain immediately after treatment, indicating that P(E)NS could be a promising option for pain management in this population.

Article Abstract

Background: The long-term prognosis for neuropathic pain resolution following spinal cord injury (SCI) is often poor. In many SCI patients, neuropathic pain continues or even worsens over time. Thus, new treatment approaches are needed. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and effect of percutaneous (electrical) nerve stimulation (P(E)NS) in SCI patients with chronic neuropathic pain.

Methods: In 18 weeks, 12 P(E)NS treatments were scheduled. Assessment with questionnaires was performed at baseline (T0), after 8 weeks (T8), 18 weeks (T18), and 12 weeks post-treatment (T30).

Results: From 26 screened patients, 17 were included. In total, 91.2% questionnaires were returned, 2 patients dropped out, and 4.2% of the patients reported minor side effects. Pain scores on the week pain diary measured with the numerical rating scale improved significantly at T8, from 6.5 at baseline to 5.4, and were still significantly improved at T18. Pain reduction of ≥ 30% directly after a session was reported in 64.6% sessions. In total, 6 patients experienced reduction in size of the pain areas at T18 and T30, with a mean reduction of 45.8% at T18 and 45.3% at T30.

Conclusion: P(E)NS is feasible as an intervention in SCI patients and might have a positive effect on pain reduction in a part of this patient group.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/papr.12064DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

neuropathic pain
12
sci patients
12
nerve stimulation
8
chronic neuropathic
8
pain
8
patients
8
spinal cord
8
cord injury
8
pilot study
8
pain reduction
8

Similar Publications

Dysregulation of GABAergic inhibition is associated with pathological pain. Consequently, enhancement of GABAergic transmission represents a potential analgesic strategy. However, therapeutic potential of current GABA agonists and modulators is limited by unwanted side effects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: An atypical presentation of cervical spondylopathy (CS), trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is attributable to the extension of trigeminal nuclei into the spinal cord and is frequently overlooked, leading to limited discussion with patients regarding potential anterior cervical surgery. Our systematic review assesses the effectiveness of cervical surgery for concurrent trigeminal neuralgia in cases of cervical spondylopathy.

Methods: A systematic review exploring cases of trigeminal neuralgia related to cervical spondylopathy was conducted searching on PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases for article in English.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!