Explore the Effect of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound on Pain Relief in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) in alleviating pain in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN).

Methods: Between November 2022 and January 2024, a total of 50 participants diagnosed with PDPN were randomly assigned to either LIFU therapy or placebo therapy. Pain levels were assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NRS), while neuropathic symptoms and signs were evaluated using the neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy deficit score (NDS), respectively. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were measured via electromyography (EMG).

Results: After 7 days of treatment, both groups exhibited a reduction in NRS compared to baseline; however, the LIFU group demonstrated significantly lower NRS scores than the placebo group (3.96 ± 1.07 versus 2.76 ± 1.79, P < .05). Additionally, significant improvements in neuropathic symptoms, as measured by NSS, were observed in the LIFU group post-treatment. Notably, LIFU therapy did not alter the conduction velocities or amplitudes of the bilateral peroneal, tibial, and sural nerves.

Conclusions: LIFU therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving neuropathic symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate PDPN. Future studies should further investigate the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of this novel therapeutic approach across diverse patient populations.