Treatment of Postherpetic Pain With Scrambler Therapy, a Patient-Specific Neurocutaneous Electrical Stimulation Device. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Thomas J.; Marineo, Giuseppe
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 35:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 812
• Page End: 813
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: postherpetic neuropathy -- neurocutaneous pain stimulation -- pain -- devices -- electrical pain stimulation -- new therapies for pain; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909113494002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Objectives: Postherpetic neuropathy (PHN) is common, severe, and often refractory to treatment. We treated 10 patients with refractory PHN using Scrambler therapy, a neurocutaneous stimulation device that delivers "nonpain" information with surface electrodes. Methods: Scrambler therapy was given as 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. Pain was recorded before and after treatment. Two centers. Result: The average pain score rapidly diminished from 7.64 ± 1.46 at baseline to 0.42 ± 0.89 at 1 month, a 95% reduction, with continued relief at 2 and 3 months. Patients achieved maximum pain relief with less than 5 treatments. Discussion: Scrambler therapy appears to have a promising effect on PHN, with prompt and continued relief and no side effects. Further research is warranted.