Innovative and Complete Care, Accessible Brain Health
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Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Pain
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) in Chicago for Advanced Neuropathic Pain Relief
Living with the persistent burning, stabbing, or "electric shock" sensations of chronic nerve pain can make everyday life for patients with painful neuropathy feel like an uphill battle. For many patients, the journey to find relief is exhausting, often leading to a dead-end of not always effective medications like gabapentinoids or high-risk opioids.
At CNS Brain Center, we believe you deserve a better standard of care. We understand that masking symptoms is not the same as treating them. That is why we are proud to introduce Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) to our Chicago clinic—a breakthrough, FDA-cleared technology designed to treat the root cause of neuropathic pain.
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) has emerged as a transformative, non-invasive solution for patients struggling with chronic peripheral neuropathy and intractable nerve pain. Unlike traditional treatments that require surgical implants or long-term medication, mPNS uses high-intensity, focused magnetic pulses to stimulate deep nerve bundles and "reset" overactive pain signaling pathways. The technology achieved a major milestone in early 2024 when the FDA cleared the Axon Therapy mPNS system specifically for the treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN). This landmark approval was supported by rigorous clinical data, including a multi-center randomized controlled trial (the AT-PDN study) where patients experienced a 57.6% average reduction in VAS pain scores and significant improvements in numbness and quality of life. For those seeking alternatives to opioids, mPNS offers a drug-free path with responder rates reaching as high as 87% in clinical series, making it a leading choice for managing post-traumatic and post-surgical neuropathic pain safely and effectively.
Under the guidance of Dr. Lenny Cohen, we offer this revolutionary non-invasive, drug-free path to recovery that focuses on reconditioning your nervous system for long-term relief.
What is mPNS? A Paradigm Shift in Pain Management
mPNS (Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation) represents the future of pain management. Unlike traditional Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) which requires invasive surgeries, implanted leads, or battery packs, mPNS is completely non-invasive.
At CNS Brain Center, we utilize the Axon Therapy® platform to deliver this treatment. It works transcutaneously—meaning it delivers therapeutic magnetic pulses through the skin directly to the targeted nerve bundles. This technology allows us to "rewrite" the pain signals being sent to your brain without a single needle, incision, or pharmaceutical side effect.
The CNS Difference: How mPNS Works
Chronic pain is often the result of a "maladaptive loop" in the neurological system. When nerves are damaged by trauma, surgery, or conditions like diabetes, they become hyperactive. They continue to fire "danger" signals to the brain even when the original injury has healed.
Targeting the Nerve Bundle
The mPNS device uses a high-intensity, time-varying magnetic field to penetrate deep into the tissue.
Restoring A-Beta Functionality
The pulses specifically target A-Beta fibers. These are the large-diameter nerve fibers responsible for non-painful sensory input (like touch). In chronic pain states, these fibers often go dormant.
Gate Control Theory
By reactivating A-Beta fibers, mPNS effectively "closes the gate" on pain transmission, preventing the smaller C-fibers (pain signals) from reaching the brain.
Clinical Insight: In pivotal clinical trials, responders to this therapy experienced an average of 87% reduction in pain after completing the full protocol.
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The Science of Neural Reconditioning
At CNS Brain Center, we don't just treat the site of the pain; we treat the central nervous system (CNS).
When you live with pain for months or years, your brain undergoes central sensitization—it becomes "wired" to feel pain more acutely. mPNS acts as a neurological reset button. By consistently delivering non-painful, rhythmic magnetic pulses, we force the nervous system to process normal sensations again.
This process induces neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Over the course of the treatment protocol, we are essentially training your brain to stop interpreting safe signals as dangerous pain.
What to Expect During Your mPNS Session in Chicago
We prioritize a patient experience that is professional, efficient, and comfortable. Because mPNS is non-invasive, there is zero downtime. You can visit our clinic on your lunch break and return to work immediately.
Duration
A typical session is incredibly fast, lasting only 13.5 minutes.
The Sensation
You will sit comfortably while a handheld coil is placed over the treatment area. You will feel a strong, rhythmic "tapping" or pulsing sensation. It is not painful, and there are no electrical shocks involved
the Protocol
To achieve the best results, consistency is key. Most patients follow a "loading dose" schedule:
Week 1: 3 sessions.
Weeks 2–4: 1 session per week.
Maintenance: 1 session per month to sustain relief.
Is Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Right for You?
We frequently prescribe mPNS for patients in the Greater Chicago area who have not found relief through physical therapy, injections, or surgery. It is an ideal solution for:
Post-Traumatic Pain
Nerve damage following an accident, sports injury, or fracture leading to a painful condition known as CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome)
Post-Surgical Pain
Persistent pain following knee or hip replacements (often caused by saphenous or sciatic nerve irritation).
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)
Burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet or hands associated with diabetes.
Chronic Nerve Entrapment
Conditions where nerves are compressed, causing radiating pain.
Drug-Free Seekers
Patients who want to avoid the brain fog, weight gain, or addiction risks associated with opioids and gabapentin.
Comprehensive Care at CNS Brain Center
Why choose CNS Brain Center for your recovery? Because we look at the whole person. Dr. Lenny Cohen is a board-certified neurologist who combines cutting-edge technology with functional medicine principles.
Depending on your specific condition, we may combine mPNS with other regenerative therapies available at our Chicago clinic to accelerate your healing, such as:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to reduce inflammation and promote angiogenesis.
- IV Nutrient Therapy to provide the raw materials your nerves need to repair.
mPNS Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS)?
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) is a 100% non-invasive, FDA-cleared neuromodulation therapy. It uses high-intensity, time-varying magnetic fields to target peripheral nerves and "reset" maladaptive pain signals. Unlike traditional nerve stimulation, mPNS does not require surgery, implants, or needles. At CNS Brain Center, we utilize the Axon Therapy® platform to deliver this advanced care.
How does mPNS differ from a TENS unit?
While both aim to reduce pain, they work very differently:
TENS: Uses electrical current on the surface of the skin. It often causes a "stinging" sensation and struggle to reach deep-seated nerves.
mPNS: uses magnetic pulses that pass through the skin and soft tissue without resistance. This allows the therapy to reach deep nerve bundles directly and comfortably, providing a more profound reconditioning of the nervous system.
Is mPNS effective for Diabetic Neuropathy?
Yes. mPNS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN). By stimulating the A-Beta fibers in the feet or hands, it helps "close the gate" on the burning and tingling sensations associated with high blood sugar nerve damage. Many of our Chicago patients report a significant improvement in sleep and mobility after their initial protocol.
Does the treatment hurt?
Not at all. Patients typically describe the sensation as a rhythmic "tapping" or "pulsing" at the treatment site. Because there are no needles or electrical shocks, the procedure is comfortable and requires no anesthesia. You remain fully awake and can return to your normal Chicago commute immediately following the session.
How long is a typical mPNS session?
Efficiency is a core benefit of mPNS at CNS Brain Center. A standard treatment session lasts exactly 13.5 minutes. Because there is no prep time or recovery period needed, most patients are in and out of our office in under 30 minutes.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
While every patient is unique, our standard clinical protocol involves:
Induction Phase: 3 sessions during the first week.
Stabilization Phase: 1 session per week for the following 3 weeks).
Maintenance: 1 session per month.
Most patients begin to notice a "down-regulation" of their pain levels within the first 2 weeks.
Are there any side effects?
Unlike systemic medications (such as Gabapentin or opioids) that can cause brain fog, weight gain, or lethargy, mPNS has no systemic side effects. Some patients may experience mild, temporary redness at the site of the coil, but this typically dissipates within minutes.
Is mPNS covered by insurance?
Coverage for neuromodulation varies by provider and specific plan. During your initial consultation at our Chicago neurology clinic, our team will provide a benefits check and discuss all available financial options to ensure you can access the care you need.
Take the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
You do not have to accept chronic pain as your "new normal" Stop managing your symptoms and start treating the source.
Schedule your consultation at CNS Brain Center today.