History of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation—Update for the 21st Century

Abstract Objective To present a history of the development of peripheral nerve stimulation. Methods Narrative literature review. Results Peripheral nerve stimulation has a history stretching from Scribonius Largus and eels in Mesopotamia to Michael Farady’s discovery in London, the German-English physician Julius Althaus’s application of electricity to a peripheral nerve, the sensational “Electreat” in the United States, to the application by Wall and Sweet of the gate theory proposed by Melzack and Wall to specialized neurosurgeons. Conclusions This is now a modern field in clinical neuroscience and medicine with improved technology, renewed interest by a diverse range of specialties, and accessibility with ultrasound.