Role of neuromodulation in acute pain settings

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), a type of neuromodulatory technique, is increasingly used to treat chronic pain syndromes. PNS has also recently gained popularity as a viable adjunct analgesic modality in acute pain settings, where the practice primarily relies on using boluses or infusion of local anesthetics for nerve blockade, followed by stimulation to extend the analgesia. There is some early promise in PNS for perioperative analgesic control, but considerable obstacles must be addressed before it can be implemented into standard practice. In this daring discourse, we explore the possibilities and constraints of using the PNS paradigm in acute pain.

Automated summary

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), a neuromodulatory technique, is increasingly used for chronic pain syndromes and as an adjunct analgesic modality in acute pain settings. While PNS shows promise in perioperative analgesic control, there are significant obstacles that need to be addressed before it can be implemented into standard practice.