Treatment of Postherpetic Pain With Scrambler Therapy, a Patient-Specific Neurocutaneous Electrical Stimulation Device
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.
Study Performed by:
Thomas J. Smith, MD – Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
Giuseppe Marineo – Delta Research & Development, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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.
February 24, 2018 at 11:19 am
Husband had shingles September2014 and has had severe phn since then. He literally does not have a life anymore. Is there any help for him
April 24, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Ellen, please reach out to our Calmare team at 201.933.4440. Dr. Cooney has achieved very successful pain reduction outcomes treating post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
July 22, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Do you treat pain caused by idiopathic peripheral small fiber neuropathy? I was diagnosed in January of this year, can barely walk and am now losing my ability to use my hands due to pain. I take Lyrica and it helps, but I still can’t walk more than a block or cook, sew, blow-dry my hair, etc. I’m only 49, it’s quite depressing.
July 22, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Oh, can you take my full name off my first post please? I didn’t know it would be published, I would have used a nickname. Thanks.
July 23, 2015 at 11:59 am
Of course. Done.
July 23, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Hi Jen,
Thank you for reaching out to us and we’re sorry to read about your battle with IPN. We passed your message to our clinical director, Dr. Michael Cooney, and he asked if you would please call the office to talk with him. Our office number is 201.933-444zero. Please tell the staff when you call he asked you to phone in. Thank you!
July 23, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Thank you so much. I will call either later today or tomorrow in the am. Thanks again! 😀
June 16, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Who should I contact for my husband to enter this therapy program. He
Got shingles in August 2014 and is still having pains and itching.
June 16, 2015 at 6:17 pm
Dear Mrs. Spencer,
Thank you for reaching out and we are sorry to hear about your husband’s battle with Shingles (PHN).
Please call us at the office 201.933.4440 to discuss your husband’s medical history in more detail.
In addition, this link, which specifically addresses two patients who treated with us who had PHN, may be helpful to you: https://calmaretherapynj.com/treatment-specialties/postherpetic-neuropathy-shingles/
Sincerely,
Calmare Scrambler Therapy NJ
April 24, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Contact us at 201.933.4440. Dr. Cooney has experienced very successful pain reduction outcomes for people living with PHN after shingles.