Peripheral nerve stimulation at PHI is performed by board-certified physicians Dr. Faisal Lalani and Dr. Nadiv Samimi in our affiliated surgical suite. PHI uses a temporary 60-day system that delivers gentle electrical signals along a specific nerve to interrupt chronic nerve-related pain that has not responded to medications, injections, or other treatments.
What Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Is
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) uses small electrical signals to interrupt chronic pain signaling along specific peripheral nerves. A thin lead (a flexible wire with electrical contacts) is placed near the nerve causing pain, and the lead delivers gentle electrical stimulation that masks or modulates the pain signal before it reaches the brain.
For appropriate patients, PNS produces meaningful pain relief without the systemic side effects of long-term medications. It is most useful for patients with persistent pain along a specific nerve distribution that has not responded adequately to other treatments.
PHI uses a temporary 60-day system. This leads-only system delivers stimulation for up to 60 days and is then removed, with many patients experiencing sustained pain relief well beyond the stimulation period.
How PNS Works
A thin flexible lead is placed near the targeted nerve through a single needle insertion, with no incision, stitches, or tunneling required, and connected to a small stimulator worn on the skin. The placement is minimally invasive, non-surgical, and drug-free. PHI uses a temporary 60-day system: the lead stays in place delivering stimulation for up to 60 days, then is removed. There is no separate trial period before placement.
Stimulation is non-painful and adjustable. Patients control settings within parameters set by their physician, allowing the stimulation to be optimized for daily activities. The approach is non-destructive and motor-sparing: it does not damage or destroy the nerve, and it targets the pain signal without impairing muscle function.
Many patients experience relief that continues beyond the 60-day stimulation period. Sustained stimulation over the treatment period is thought to modulate how the nervous system processes pain, which is the proposed basis for relief that can persist after the lead is removed.
Who Is a Candidate
PNS is typically appropriate for patients with:
- Chronic nerve-related pain along a specific peripheral nerve distribution
- Pain that has not responded adequately to medications, injections, and other treatments
- A pain pattern that fits a specific nerve target rather than a diffuse pain syndrome
- A stable medical condition appropriate for an implantable device
Common indications include post-surgical nerve pain, occipital neuralgia, post-traumatic peripheral nerve pain, peripheral neuropathy in specific distributions, and certain chronic regional pain syndromes.
What the Evidence Shows
PNS has accumulated evidence for several specific pain indications. Recent randomized trials and prospective cohort studies demonstrate meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement, particularly for post-surgical nerve pain and certain post-amputation pain syndromes. The 60-day temporary stimulation system has shown sustained benefit beyond the active stimulation period in multiple peer-reviewed studies.
This is a more recent intervention than traditional spinal cord stimulation, with evidence quality varying by specific indication. Your physician will discuss what the evidence supports for your particular situation.
Why Patients Choose PHI for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Convenient surgery center
PNS placement requires image guidance and a proper procedural environment. PHI performs all PNS procedures in our affiliated surgery center.
Two board-certified physicians
Treatment is performed by Dr. Faisal Lalani or Dr. Nadiv Samimi, both fellowship-trained at Cedars-Sinai.
Temporary 60-day system
PHI uses a temporary 60-day system, a leads-only approach that is removed after the stimulation period. Many patients experience relief that continues beyond the 60 days, with no permanent hardware required.
Concierge model
Single-physician continuity from consultation through follow-up, with direct access to your physician.
Concierge, coordinated care
Single-physician continuity from consultation through treatment and return to activity. Patients receive clear guidance and transparent pricing at consultation.
What to Expect
Evaluation
Your physician confirms candidacy through review of imaging, history, and previous treatments, and discusses expected benefit and what to expect from the 60-day system.
Lead placement
A thin lead is placed near the targeted nerve through a small access point and connected to an external stimulator. The placement is performed in our affiliated surgery center under image guidance.
Stimulation period
You use the stimulation over the 60-day period while you and your physician evaluate the relief it provides. Stimulation is adjustable and non-painful, and you control settings within parameters your physician sets.
Outcome
The lead is removed at the end of the 60-day period. Many patients experience relief that continues beyond it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spinal cord stimulation places leads near the spinal cord to treat broader pain patterns, typically the lower back and legs. Peripheral nerve stimulation places leads directly near a specific peripheral nerve to treat pain in that nerve’s distribution. PNS is generally appropriate for more focal pain; SCS for more diffuse pain.
PHI uses a temporary 60-day system. The lead delivers stimulation for up to 60 days and is then removed. Many patients experience relief that continues beyond the stimulation period.
Most patients can carry on with normal daily activities during the stimulation period, though stimulation may be turned off during driving in some cases. Your physician will discuss specifics for your situation.
If the temporary system does not provide lasting relief, your physician will discuss alternative treatment options based on your specific condition. PHI offers the 60-day Sprint peripheral nerve stimulation system and does not place permanent implants.
The most common effect is temporary skin irritation where the lead exits the skin or where adhesives are applied, which is usually mild and resolves on its own. Other risks include lead migration, infection at the access site (reported in a small percentage of patients), and post-procedure pain. Serious complications are rare. Your physician will review the complete risk profile.
Insurance coverage and payment options may vary. All pricing is disclosed at consultation.
Yes. PHI regularly treats patients from outside Los Angeles, including Las Vegas, Palm Springs, London, and other international locations.