As per a retrospective case series conducted by the scientists of the University of Florida, Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation emerges as an effective and safe approach for idiopathic axonal and refractory painful hereditary polyneuropathy.

DRG stimulation is a well-known therapy for managing painful diabetic polyneuropathy, but for other types of polyneuropathy, the efficacy of DRG stimulation has been established. The study involved two cases of painful chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and two of painful hereditary axonal polyneuropathy, who went through DRG stimulation. Neuromuscular neurologists assessed all four patients independently using electrophysiological studies and genetic testing. If a significant pain relief was attained over the trial period, then the DRG stimulator was implanted permanently. Pain levels were measured pre-operatively, during the study, following the permanent implantation and at one, three, and six months.

A significant decline was seen in the pain levels following the DGR stimulation. Out of the four cases, three went through the permanent DRG stimulator implantation. Pain following the permanent implantation remained significantly low. The average decline in VAS scores following permanent implantation and at one month was 6.33 ± 2.31 and 7.67 ± 2.31, respectively. Further, at three and six months the decline was 7.00 ± 2.00. No adverse events were noticed. These outcomes reflect DRG stimulation provides positive results for painful hereditary and idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy management.