TMS for Neuropathic Pain

Recent research shows that 1 in 3 Americans experiences chronic pain, with 1 in 5 of those cases being neuropathic pain.

At Shore Clinical TMS & Wellness Center, we focus on providing TMS for neuropathic pain to bring relief and improve the quality of life for those suffering from this challenging condition.

What is Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain)?

Neuropathic pain, commonly known as nerve pain, is a form of chronic pain disorder following nerve injury or dysfunction. This condition causes your brain to receive abnormal pain messages from the damaged nerves, leading to the sensation of burning, stabbing, or electric shock. The intensity of neuropathic pain generally ranges between mild discomfort and extreme agony and tends to be ongoing and chronic, thus making treatment quite challenging.

Neuropathic Pain Causes

Neuropathic pain can stem from several sources, including:

Alcohol use disorder
Diabetes
Facial nerve disorders
HIV/AIDS
Central nervous system disorders (like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis)
Complex regional pain syndrome
Shingles
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation
Phantom limb pain following amputation
Spinal nerve compression or inflammation
Nerve damage from trauma or surgical procedures
Tumors exerting pressure on nerves

Neuropathic Pain Symptoms

People with neuropathic pain may experience a range of symptoms, such as:

Spontaneous pain, characterized by sensations of burning, stabbing, or electric shocks
Numbness or a tingling sensation
Allodynia, pain triggered by normally non-painful stimuli, like light touch
Hyperalgesia, an exaggerated response to painful stimuli
Hypoalgesia, a minimal response to typically painful stimuli
Dysesthesia or uncomfortable, abnormal sensations
Insomnia and emotional distress, often linked to disrupted sleep patterns and persistent pain

Treating Neuropathic Pain with TMS Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, in particular, offers promise as a noninvasive approach for the modulation of neuropathic pain. Unlike many traditional pain medicines, which often simply help patients tolerate discomfort, electromagnetic pulses are used with TMS to stimulate the primary motor cortex of the brain itself. This innovative treatment modulates the activity in the human brain, promoting the pathway to inhibit pain while releasing its own natural opioids to combat this pain.

Recent research has indicated that TMS treatment for neuropathic pain is effective, safe, and well-tolerated, and evidence-based guidelines support its use in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain, particularly when administered repeatedly.

Benefits of TMS for Neuropathic Pain

TMS therapy has shown significant potential in reducing chronic pain, even when other treatments have failed. Many patients report more than a 30% decrease in pain levels following TMS sessions.

FDA Cleared: The MagVenture Pain Therapy system that we use is FDA-cleared.
Significant Pain Reduction: By targeting the primary motor cortex, TMS disrupts harmful pain signals and diminishes pain perception.
Long-lasting Relief: Continued treatment often leads to lasting pain relief, extending weeks or even months beyond the last session.
Effective for Neuropathic Pain: TMS is particularly effective for neuropathic pain and has shown benefits for conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia.
Addressing Co-occurring Symptoms: Additionally, TMS can address co-occurring depression and anxiety, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
Fewer Side Effects: This non-invasive therapy carries fewer side effects compared to conventional pain medications, making it suitable for long-term use.
Reducing Opioid Use: Effective pain management with TMS may also reduce reliance on opioids, minimizing associated risks.

Our team at Shore Clinical TMS & Wellness Center is driven to provide compassionate care and innovative solutions for neuropathic pain. If you or someone you know is seeking nerve pain specialists, please reach out to us.