Review of guidelines for implantable peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in the management of chronic pain
Recommended Citation
Manchikanti L, Abd-Elsayed A, Kaye AD, et al. Review of Guidelines for Implantable Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) in the Management of Chronic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025;29(1):89. Published 2025 May 23. doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01397-w
Abstract
Purpose of review:This article assesses the current evidence and guidelines on peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and provides recommendations for its use in managing moderate to severe chronic pain.
Recent findings:PNS has been utilized for over 50 years in the treatment of chronic pain. However, since 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved percutaneously implanted PNS leads and neurostimulators, providing a minimally invasive, non-opioid alternative for managing persistent and refractory chronic pain. The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) has established evidence-based consensus guidelines for the clinical use of PNS systems in addressing chronic pain. ASIPP guidelines performed extensive evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria or certainty of evidence, and qualitative synthesis based on the best available evidence. The evidence level and recommendations showed fair evidence with moderate strength of recommendation for implantable PNS systems following a trial or selective lumbar medial branch stimulation without a trial and for temporary PNS for 60 days. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of peripheral neuropathic pain as a cause of chronic, intractable, function-limiting, and high-impact pain. It discusses the diagnosis of peripheral nerve and neuropathic pain, evidence evaluation and synthesis, medical necessity criteria, patient education, and clinical recommendations. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes by integrating PNS technology into clinical practice.
Type
Article
PubMed ID
40410617
Affiliations
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center