Stimulation of the Peripheral Nervous System

Book excerpt: Among neuromodulation procedures, electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves (PNS) is probably the most underappreciated modality. Although PNS is used for all kinds of medical conditions, ranging from chronic neuropathic pain and headache to epilepsy, depression, hypertension and heart failure, its importance is frequently overshadowed by spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation. While the earlier version of this book dealt exclusively with various pain syndromes, this new volume covers the entire spectrum of PNS applications. Written by recognized authorities in their respective fields, the chapters of this title describe the use of PNS in the management of neurological, psychiatric, otorhinolaryngological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, colorectal and genitourinary disorders. To reflect the complexity of the regulatory process, the book ends with a special chapter dedicated to the current state of approval of different PNS devices. This book will be of great value to all those who deal with neuromodulation, including clinicians who select PNS candidates, surgeons and other specialists who implant PNS devices, and researchers and engineers who work on making the stimulators safer and more effective.