Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Explanation
Why we use it. It’s like hitting your reset button!
Firstly, when used on a peripheral nerve the electrical impulses are known to produce a somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP). This is a special stimulation to the nervous system as most other sensory stimulation devices and therapies do not achieve this. Other types of stimulation are effectively attenuated before reaching the neocortex. that includes TENS, ice, heat, pressure and vibration. These modalities are very useful for sensory stimulation but they are not as powerful as a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator used correctly.
Additionally, research has shown that stimulation of specific peripheral nerves, such as the median nerve located in the wrist, can provide a pathway to the Reticular Activating System in the brainstem. This form of stimulation has shown potential benefits in conditions involving altered states of consciousness, such as those that occur with dementia and coma.
Similarly, stimulation of the Trigeminal nerve, which originates in the brainstem and innervates the face, can trigger reflexes that activate sympathetic pathways, influencing physiological responses like blood pressure regulation.
What is really interesting with this therapeutic device is that when correctly applied to a superficial nerve the electrical impulses travel along the nerve to the brainstem and up into the subcortical structures. Then onward into the cortex where it ‘spills’ over’ into an adjacent area of the cortex to travel back down through the brainstem and spinal cord eventually exciting a muscle not innervated by the initial nerve being stimulated. This means, the pathway from the initial point of stimulation to the brain and back again is effectively ‘tested’ for integrity.
This activity is a ’novel’ experience, meaning it does not occur in everyday life activities and therefore, has a special place in the therapeutic domain.
Vagal nerve stimulation is also another valuable use of the Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS). This type of therapy is also utilised by surgically implanting a stimulator on the Vagus nerve in the neck to boost gut health in various ways. There is research claiming that applying the PNS to the nerve superficially has similar positive results to the surgical implants. Gut health and Migraine have responded favourably to this approach.
