Understanding how peripheral nerve stimulation helps relieve chronic pain

Mechanisms of Action of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10730521

This study is looking at how a treatment called peripheral nerve stimulation can help people with ongoing nerve pain in their legs, and it will involve 134 participants who will either get regular care or that care plus the new treatment to see how it affects their pain over a year.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10730521 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alleviates chronic neuropathic pain. It involves implanting small electrodes near targeted peripheral nerves to deliver electrical currents, which may alter pain processing in the body. The study will include 134 patients with lower extremity chronic neuropathic pain, who will receive either standard medical management or a combination of standard care and PNS therapy. Participants will undergo regular assessments and sensory testing to evaluate their pain response over a year.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic neuropathic pain in their lower extremities who have not found relief through conventional medical management.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not have lower extremity neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a non-addictive treatment option for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with peripheral nerve stimulation for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.