Peri-Auricular Percutaneous Neurovascular Stimulation as a Non Narcotic Treatment Alternative for Acute and Chronic Pain

Christopher R. Brown DDS, Director of Medical Resources, Innovative Health Solutions, Clinical Medicine and Diagnostics 2015, 5(4): 70-79

Abstract

Peripheral Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) has been proven to be an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain. Implementation of transillumination allows visualization of auricular neurovascular bundles enhancing the ability of the clinician to directly access branches of cranial nerves V,VII, IX, X, peripheral branches of the lesser and greater occipital nerves, as well as branches of the superficial temporal and the posterior auricular arteries. A recently FDA cleared device (Neurostim System/NSS) reduces sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic activity by electrical stimulation via percutaneous implantation of needle arrays into the dermis of the peri-auricular region. The needle arrays are attached to an externally affixed generator placed behind the ear by a wire harness allowing physician applied ambulatory treatment of chronic and acute pain potentially reducing the need for central acting opioids.

Keywords Neurovascular, Non narcotic, Percutaneous, Sympathetic, Para-Sympathetic