Overview
Understanding axon therapy
Axon Therapy is the trade name of a magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation system made by NeuraLace Medical. A clinician positions a handheld stimulation coil over the skin near a selected peripheral nerve. Brief magnetic pulses pass through the skin and stimulate that nerve without a needle, surgical incision, or implanted lead.
The FDA-cleared indications are relief of chronic intractable pain, post-traumatic pain, post-surgical pain, and chronic painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities for adults age 18 and older. A diagnosis such as neuropathy does not automatically make someone a candidate; the pain pattern, prior care, health history, and treatment goals still need clinical review.
NeuraLace's current provider directory lists Axon Therapy at Integrity's Scottsdale and Prescott clinics. Availability and the appropriate clinic should be confirmed with the office before scheduling.
Evidence in context
What the research can and cannot show
FDA 510(k) clearance means the device was found substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate for its stated indications; it is not a promise that every patient will improve. A randomized study of 65 adults with chronic post-traumatic or post-surgical peripheral neuropathic pain reported better 90-day pain and quality-of-life outcomes with Axon Therapy plus conventional medical management than with conventional medical management alone.
A separate randomized study supported the expanded indication for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The published evidence remains relatively limited, and the post-traumatic/post-surgical study disclosed manufacturer funding and relevant author consulting relationships. Results from a study group should not be treated as an individual forecast, and coverage may vary by plan.
Useful context
When this may be discussed
- Selected chronic intractable peripheral nerve pain after evaluation
- Selected chronic post-traumatic or post-surgical nerve pain
- Chronic painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities
At the clinic
What the process may involve
- 01
A review of the pain pattern, diagnosis, prior care, medications, implanted devices or metal, and other health factors that may affect safety or candidacy
- 02
Mapping of the selected peripheral nerve and positioning of the handheld coil over the skin near that nerve
- 03
A brief, noninvasive series of focused magnetic pulses without a needle or implanted lead
- 04
A response review and an individualized discussion of whether additional sessions or another approach makes sense
Benefits, limits, and risks
Questions to discuss before treatment
- Axon Therapy is not the same as an implanted peripheral nerve stimulator, a TENS unit, or transcranial magnetic stimulation. The treatment target is a peripheral nerve outside the brain and spinal cord.
- Treatment can produce muscle activation or tingling as the nerve is mapped and stimulated. Ask what sensations to expect and when to report discomfort.
- Implanted electronic devices, nearby metal, pregnancy, progressive neurologic disease, and other health factors may require additional screening or may affect candidacy. The treating clinician should review device-specific precautions before treatment.
- Benefit is not guaranteed, the number and timing of visits are individualized, and insurance coverage should be verified before care.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.
- FDA: Axon Therapy 510(k) K233364 (opens in a new tab)
- Journal of Pain Research: randomized study in post-traumatic and post-surgical neuropathic pain (opens in a new tab)
- PubMed: randomized study in painful diabetic neuropathy (opens in a new tab)
- NeuraLace Medical: Axon Therapy provider directory (opens in a new tab)