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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation London

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a back and spine treatment designed to eliminate chronic nerve-related pain. A slightly older method than spinal cord stimulation, PNS uses a similar mechanism. A peripheral nerve stimulator is a small implanted device that sends electrical impulses to your peripheral nerves. Below, find out all about peripheral nerve stimulation for back and spine conditions at Harley Street Specialist Hospital.

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Private peripheral nerve stimulation in central London

Private peripheral nerve stimulation in central London

Peripheral nerve stimulation treatment is available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital, our award-winning private hospital based in central London. This treatment is an effective way to manage nerve pain and restore a fulfilling, pain-free life.

Our hospital works with the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants. With a holistic approach to your care, our medical specialists will work with you to create an effective treatment plan that suits you and gets you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Whether you’re experiencing sciatica, nerve damage, or migraines, PNS may be able to help. With no waiting lists, you can schedule an assessment and diagnosis at your earliest convenience to stop pain from inhibiting your day-to-day life. Book an appointment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital today to get started.

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What is peripheral nerve stimulation?

The peripheral nerves lie outside your central nervous system. The central nervous system runs from your brain through your spine, while the peripheral nerves branch out from the central nervous system into your torso, arms, and legs.

Peripheral nerve stimulation works by sending tiny electrical impulses to the peripheral nerves. This helps block out the pain stemming from these nerves, replacing it with a mild tingling sensation. You control the stimulation with a PNS handset.

The peripheral nerve stimulation procedure

Peripheral nerve stimulation is a day-case procedure, so you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. Here’s how getting a peripheral nerve stimulator works:

1. Assessment and diagnosis — Your medical history, current health status, and diagnostic and imaging test results will determine if you’re a good candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation.

2. Local anaesthetic and sedation — PNS is performed under local anaesthetic, so you’re awake during the procedure. Local anaesthetic is delivered to your back using a small needle. You might also be given a sedative to help you relax.

3. X-ray or ultrasound guidance — Your doctors will use these scanning methods to find the best position for the PNS device implantation.

4. PNS device implantation — Thin wires (electrodes) will be placed through a small incision close to your peripheral nerve(s)..

5. Electrical stimulation — Your medical team will pass a small electric current through the electrodes. You’ll be asked to describe the sensation and whether it feels painful or tingling. The electrode will be fixed in place when it is in the right position. The battery pack is worn outside your body.

6. Recovery and testing — You’ll stay in hospital for a few hours for monitoring. During this time, one of our consultants will help you test the peripheral nerve stimulator and show you how to use the PNS handset. If any programming adjustments are needed, this will happen at this stage.

When you’re confident with how the PNS works, you’ll be able to go home and recuperate.

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Peripheral nerve stimulation FAQs

Find out more about peripheral nerve stimulation treatment in these frequently asked questions.

Peripheral nerve stimulation can treat many painful nerve-related conditions, including:

  • Chronic nerve pain
  • Pinched or trapped nerves (often caused by herniated discs)
  • Sciatica
  • Nerve damage
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Chronic migraines.

Some patients experience the following side effects after their PNS device is fitted:

  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Pain at the surgical site.
  • Bleeding or weeping at the surgical site.

These side effects are usually manageable and short-lived, but your consultant can help with any issues you’re worried about.

Yes, PNS is a safe procedure (though more modern techniques are often recommended instead). There is a low risk of infection, nerve damage, and failure of the PNS device. However these safety issues can be minimised by choosing a safe, reliable hospital to perform your PNS procedure.

The PNS procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel much pain or discomfort throughout. As the anaesthetic wears off, you might feel some soreness at the implantation site for a few days.

When the device has been implanted, and the area has healed, you should feel a significant reduction in pain. According to the NHS, a peripheral nerve stimulator reduces pain by approximately 50% in 60-80% of patients.

It can take a few weeks to recover from implanting a peripheral nerve stimulator. You may feel quite tired for 3-4 weeks after the surgery, but this will subside and you’ll soon be able to return to work and other activities (normally within 4-6 weeks).

Peripheral nerve stimulation costs

Contact us today for a fully personalised healthcare experience, where your well-being is our top priority. Our world-class specialists will design the optimal peripheral nerve stimulation treatment plan just for you.

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Flexible Payment Options to Suit You

Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.

Self-pay

Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.

Private Medical Insurance

We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.

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Learn more about peripheral nerve stimulators

Read more to find out all you need to know about peripheral nerve stimulators for back and nerve pain.

58%-80% of PNS patients experience at least a 50% reduction in pain, so the majority of patients will see significant improvements.

While peripheral nerve stimulation targets the peripheral nerves, spinal cord stimulation sends electrical impulses within the spinal cord. So, the wires are usually positioned in a different place, though both can be used to treat similar types of pain.

While both PNS and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) use electrical currents to relieve back pain, TENS is a non-invasive treatment option. You can buy a TENS machine from a supermarket or pharmacy and use it without the need for surgery.

Meanwhile, PNS is a more permanent procedure requiring a small operation to implant the device.

You shouldn’t drive with a peripheral nerve stimulator until you have been signed off to do so 4-6 weeks after your procedure. Speak to your consultant about when you can drive with a PNS device fitted.

A peripheral nerve stimulator sends small electrical impulses through the nerves, resulting in a tingling or pins and needles-type sensation that masks your pain.

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Patient Reviews

Peripheral nerve stimulation treatment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

If conservative back pain treatments like painkillers and physiotherapy haven’t helped reduce your nerve-related back pain, peripheral nerve stimulation may be the right solution for you. At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, we’ll discuss all your back pain treatment options to ensure you get the fastest possible pain relief.

 

PNS may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Book an appointment with a back pain specialist at our central London hospital to learn how peripheral nerve stimulation could help you.

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Our peripheral nerve stimulation consultants