Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain Patients due to Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Background The long‐term prognosis for neuropathic pain resolution following spinal cord injury ( SCI ) is often poor. In many SCI patients, neuropathic pain continues or even worsens over time. Thus, new treatment approaches are needed. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and effect of percutaneous (electrical) nerve stimulation ( P ( E ) NS ) in SCI patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods In 18 weeks, 12 P ( E ) NS treatments were scheduled. Assessment with questionnaires was performed at baseline ( T 0), after 8 weeks ( T 8), 18 weeks ( T 18), and 12 weeks post‐treatment ( T 30). Results From 26 screened patients, 17 were included. In total, 91.2% questionnaires were returned, 2 patients dropped out, and 4.2% of the patients reported minor side effects. Pain scores on the week pain diary measured with the numerical rating scale improved significantly at T 8, from 6.5 at baseline to 5.4, and were still significantly improved at T 18. Pain reduction of ≥ 30% directly after a session was reported in 64.6% sessions. In total, 6 patients experienced reduction in size of the pain areas at T 18 and T 30, with a mean reduction of 45.8% at T 18 and 45.3% at T 30. Conclusion P ( E ) NS is feasible as an intervention in SCI patients and might have a positive effect on pain reduction in a part of this patient group.