Use of Temporary Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Management of Recalcitrant Pain in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Case Series and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain syndrome involving autonomic, sensory, motor, and sudomotor dysfunction. Its pathophysiology involves both central and peripheral nervous systems, with a constant interplay between multiple mechanisms. Treatment for CRPS varies from pharmacological choices, physical therapy, and sympathetic blocks to neuromodulation techniques, namely use of spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

CASE REPORT: We present a case series detailing the use and efficacy of temporary PNS for management of CRPS in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PNS has been observed to help in neuropathic pain associated with CRPS by affecting both central and peripheral pain pathways.