Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) for Chronic Pain

PURPOSE: To assess magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation (mPNS) for the treatment of chronic or chronic and intractable neuropathic pain with a retrospective review case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with predominantly neuropathic post-traumatic or postoperative pain were treated as per protocol and followed for 3 months. RESULTS: Data were analyzed as an observational, one-armed, convenience sample. Graphical evidence backed up by a mixed model for repeated measures statistical analysis showed a highly significant reduction of pain at one month out from initial treatment with mPNS. At one month, there was a 3.8 average reduction in pre-pain scores using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and that relief was generally durable measured out to three months. Two-thirds of patients, deemed responders, showed an 87% reduction in pain. Opioid reduction was seen in 58.3% of responders as well. CONCLUSION: mPNS appears promising for the treatment of chronic or chronic and intractable neuropathic pain for many of the same indications as traditional electrical peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). No invasive techniques or implants are needed for mPNS.