Uses of percutaneous electrical stimulation of the nervous system.

Temporary percutaneous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves and the spinal cord is a valuable screening technique. This approach will provide a much higher success rate for identifying those patients suitable for a permanently implanted stimulation system. The system appears to be the treatment of choice for chronic, intractable pain caused by nerve injury. The author presents his surgical procedures for stimulation of peripheral nerve and spinal cord. A summary of clinical results is discussed.