Pulsed radiofrequency
Pulsed radiofrequency is a development of heat based radiofrequency denervation, both procedures used in medicine to treat, especially, chronic pain. Unlike heat based radiofrequency treatment, pulsed radiofrequency does no direct damage to the nerve.
Pulsed radiofrequency treatment is based on the principle that when a nerve is constantly subjected to painful stimuli, that nerve (through molecular processes that are rather complex) becomes adapted to and more efficient at transmitting pain signals to the brain. In this manner, a patient experiences more pain.
While not lethal to the nerve, the pulsed radiofrequency treatment applies a very high electromagnetic field through a small cathether inserted in the vincinity of the nerve. The aim is to restore the nerve to the state it was in before it ~learned~ to transmit pain more efficiently.
While questioned by some, most mainstream medical doctors recognize that it has a role in pain management.
Of course, one must always remember to maintain a multifocus approach particularly to chronic pain. Here, Pulsed Radiofrequency may be one of many modalities used to treat a patient.
Side Effects, what to expect:
The procedure involves the placement of a cathether (needle) near the nerves or nerve involved. There may be pain associated with this. Often doctors administer anesthetic or sedating drugs intraveniously during the procedure. Local anesthetics, unfortunately, cannot be used as they interfere with the procedure.
Local anesthetics are often used in consultations prior to the treatment to positively identify the nerve causing the problem, if the problem nerve is not obvious.
How long the treatment lasts is individual, however an hour seems like an appropriate estimate.
Frequently the pain is greater for a few days after than it was before treatment.
There are few immediate complications that can occur, these, of course, depends on the location of the nerve. The danger is in hitting (with the cathether) other structures such as blood vessels, nerves and others close to the area where the catheter needs to be placed. In essence it is like a puncture wound, and the skill of the person performing the procedure greatly influences striking the wrong structures.
John Kris Larsgard
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