Transcutaneous electrical stimulation

Electrical Stimulation Devices. Bioelectrodes that transmit electrical signals into the body are generally known as electrical stimulation devices, examples of which include cardiac pacemakers, transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulators (TENs) for pain suppression, and neural prostheses such as auditory stimulation systems for the deaf and phrenic nerve stimulators for artificial respiratory control. In these, and other similar devices, electrodes transmit current to appropriate areas of the body for direct control of, or indirect influence over, target cells. 

There are a number of terms used to describe the application of electric currents to relieve pain, such as electroanalgesia, electroanesthesiology, electronarcosis, electrosleep, electroacupuncture, anodal electronics, etc. Electrical stimulation is accomplished both by transcutaneous insertion and topical application of electrodes. Both pulsatile and steady state currents are deemed useful. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is electrical stimulation through surface electrodes. The advantage of not using syringe injections is obvious file electrical pulses stimulate the body s own mechanisms for obtaining pain relief. There are three theories as to how the pain relief is achieved ... 

KeUer, T., Kuhn, A., 2008. Electrodes for transcutaneous (surface) electrical stimulation. Journal of Automatic Control 18 (2), 35—45. 

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain... 

Mangold S, Keller T, Curt A, Dietz V (2005) Transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation for grasping in subjects with cervical spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 43 1-13,... 

I exercise, and following a low-fat vegetarian diet all have been shown to reduce the intensity of the dysmenorrhea.17,28 Dietary changes also may shorten the duration of dysmenorrhea. These interventions require little time and minimal cost and are associated with little risk. Other nonpharmacologic options that may be considered before or, in most cases, after a trial of pharmacologic interventions include the use of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), acupressure, and acupuncture.17... 

An electrical stimulus of sufficient current magnitude to depolarize all nerve fibres within a given nerve bundle. Commonly quoted as > 60 mA for transcutaneous nerve stimulation. 

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (non-spinal cord) as a general analgesic percutaneous electric nerve stimulation for migraine headaches... 

Coletta, R., Maggiolo, F., Di Tizio, S. Etofenamate and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment of painful spinal syndromes, Int. J. Clin. Pharmacol. Res. 1988, 8, 295-298. 

It is noteworthy that some therapeutic applications, such as transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, involve application to the skin of electric pulses of up to hundreds of volts [5], However, a safety limitation is the major concern associated with the use of electroporation, even though several reports indicated that the damage to the skin was mild and reversible [16,23]. The only skin alteration seen with electroporation was slight erythema that decreased within a few hours [34]. Patients submitted to electrochemotherapy seemed to tolerate well the application of 10,000 V/cm for 100 p,s square-wave pulses [35]. However, to avoid pain during electroporation, milder conditions such as lower voltage, shorter pulses, or improved electrode design could be used [36]. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] Decreased pain Opioid and nonopioid analgesics Opioid antagonists (naloxone) -... 

Mrs KR should be advised to try and lose weight. She may wish to discuss the possibility of physiotherapy treatment with her GP. Patients should be encouraged to exercise gently and that exercise should include local muscle stretching and general aerobic exercise. The use of heat and cold therapy may help, as may ultrasound. Some patients may find a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is helpful. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) helps some sufferers it may act by promoting the release of endorphins. Ketamine (see p. 353) or lidocaine (Ugnocaine) (by i.v. infusion) are used in special circumstances. Pain due to nerve compression may be reUeved by a corticosteroid injected loccally. 

Dietary supplements such as thiamine, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and herbal products have been reported to be effective in the treatment of both premenstrual and menstrual pain syndromes, but few have been evaluated for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Other modes of therapy for menstrual pain include biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, spinal manipulation, and application of local heat. Acupuncture has been... 

Wilson M, Farquhar C, Kennedy S, et al. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Review 2001 2. 

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