Both Peripheral nerve stimulators and spinal cord stimulators use a small electrotherapy device that sends an electrical current to inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain.
Both require a local anesthetic to be administered, and using ultrasound imagery Dr. Farnad, Miracle Mile’s pain management specialist will guide the placement of wires. Once inserted into the body via needle, electrical signals block pain signals from traveling through the nerve.
The main difference between PNS and SCS is where the wire leads are placed. PNS leads are typically placed by the peripheral nerves in various locations of the body (usually the painful areas.) SNS leads are always near the spinal cord where pain signals are generated.
They are not used together
SCS are typically used for chronic pain, whereas PNS may be used for acute pain as well as chronic.
Dr. Shahbaz Farnad, M.D. is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist. He is a graduate of UCLA, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. He earned his Medical Degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr Farnad completed his residency in Anesthesiology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL and went on to complete his training as a Fellow in Interventional Pain Management at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He was Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and subsequently earned his American Board of Anesthesiology subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine.
