Effectiveness of the Four-Frequency Protocol of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS) for Chronic Pain

Virachat  Sanansilp; Pramote  Euasobhon; Quyen V.  Than; Pranee  Rushatamukayanunt; Sukunya  Jirachaipitak; Sarasate  Eiamtanasate

doi:10.33192/Smj.2022.62

Authors

Virachat Sanansilp Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University
Pramote Euasobhon Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Quyen V. Than Department of Anesthesiology, Danang Hospital for Women and Children, Danang
Pranee Rushatamukayanunt Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Sukunya Jirachaipitak Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Sarasate Eiamtanasate Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/Smj.2022.62

Keywords:

Chronic pain; neuromodulation, neuropathic pain, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation

Abstract

Objective: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a noninvasive method of delivering a magnetic field to the periphery other than the brain. The treatment has shown positive outcomes for chronic pain and provides many advantages. This study investigated the effectiveness of the four-frequency protocol of rPMS in patients with chronic pain.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with chronic pain treated with the four-frequency protocol. Data on patient demographics, pain characteristics, quality of life, and satisfaction were collected and analyzed.
Results: Forty-eight patients (174 sessions) were eligible for analysis. Most patients (81%) were diagnosed with chronic neuropathic pain. Upon completing the 4-week course of treatment, the mean � SD of percentage of pain reduction was 49.7% � 34.8%. The pain score also significantly decreased from baseline (mean difference, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.5�4.1; P < 0.001). Responses to treatment were observed for most patients (79.2%) and most treatment sessions (87.4%). For immediate effectiveness, the mean � SD of percentage of pain reduction at the end of each treatment session was 46.2% � 27.6%. Improvements in mood, function, and sleep were reported by 75.8%, 77.3%, and 79.5% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, most patients (72.5%) expressed satisfaction with the treatment.
Conclusion: The four-frequency protocol of rPMS for patients with chronic pain significantly reduced their pain scores for immediate effect and after the 4-week treatment course. A positive treatment response, an improved quality of life, and satisfaction with the therapy were found for nearly 80% of the patients.

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