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Results for “Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Reductions in self-injury produced by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is used to reduce pain but also may be useful for self-injurious behavior (SIB). In the current investigation, a microcurrent electromedical device, classified as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS), was applied with a man with Down syndrome who displayed SIB that persisted in the absence of social contingencies. Although clinically significant results were not maintained, a clear difference in the rates of SIB during active and inactive TENS was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Pain relief after low back surgery: the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was used for the relief of post-operative pain following low back surgery in a consecutive series of over 157 patients. A comparative study of the use of post-operative narcotic analgesics by 52 of these patients (26 in each of two groups) was made to determine the effectiveness of TENS in relieving post-operative pain. Fifty per cent of the sample used analgesics only; 50% used TENS in addition to analgesics. The data collected included its frequency of post-operative analygesic use, a rank order of analgesic potency, and a post-operative "pain score" derived from the combination of analgesic potency and frequency of use. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in the use of analgesics. TENS decreased the need for narcotics in the relief of post-operative pain following low back surgery, although it is not a replacement for post-operative medication.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed1982

Dermatitis from transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation.

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is an effective treatment modality for chronic pain. Electrical impulses produced by a portable stimulator are transmitted by cable to electrodes which are attached to specific areas of the body by tape or adhesive. A conductive electrolyte jelly is utilized in order to make good electrical contact with the skin. Several dermatologic complications have been associated with the use of this technic, including allergic and irritant contact dermatitis and micropunctate burns caused by the improper use of poorly conductive lubricant jellies. A patient is reported herein who developed allergic contact dermatitis to propylene glycol in a conductive jelly (Neuromod TENS gel). In an attempt to continue therapy, the patient changed to a poorly conductive surgical lubricant jelly which caused irritation and micropunctate burns. Subsequently, electrodes not utilizing conductive jelly were applied, with excellent results.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Reduction of postoperative pain and narcotic use by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was evaluated as a postoperative analgesic. Patients undergoing lumbar spine operations, hip surgery, and gynecological laparotomies were studied. Sterile electrodes, placed near the incision immediately after operation, were connected to a continuously operating stimulator for 48 hours after operation. Results from 46 experimental patients demonstrated that TENS could reduce the demand for postoperative narcotics in a group of patients who had not used narcotic analgesics before operation. No significant benefit was observed for patients who had used narcotics prior to operation.

Analgesia↗

PubMed2002

One-shot percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation vs. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: comparison of therapeutic effects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of one shot of low-frequency percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation one shot of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with low back pain. DESIGN: In total, 133 low back pain patients were recruited for this randomized, control study. Group 1 patients received medication only. Group 2 patients received medication plus one shot of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Group 3 patients received medication plus one shot of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Therapeutic effects were measured using a visual analog scale, body surface score, pain pressure threshold, and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. RESULTS: Immediately after one-shot treatment, the visual analog scale improved 1.53 units and the body surface score improved 3.06 units in the percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group. In the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, the visual analog scale improved 1.50 units and the body surface score improved 3.98 units. The improvements did not differ between the two groups. There were no differences in improvement at 3 days or 1 wk after the treatment among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simple one-shot treatment with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provided immediate pain relief for low back pain patients. One-shot transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment is recommended due to the rarity of side effects and its convenient application.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Comparison of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for long-term pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain.

UNLABELLED: The long-term effect of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) on chronic low back pain (LBP) is unclear. We evaluated the number of sessions for which PENS should be performed to alleviate chronic LBP and how long analgesia is sustained. Patients underwent treatment on a twice-weekly schedule for 8 wk. Group A (n = 18) received PENS for 8 wk, group B (n = 17) received PENS for the first 4 wk and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the second 4 wk, and group C (n = 18) received TENS for 8 wk. Pain level, degree of physical impairment, and the daily intake of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were assessed before the first treatment, 3 days after Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8 treatments, and at 1 and 2 mo after the sessions. During PENS therapy, the pain level decreased significantly from Week 2 in Groups A and B (P < 0.05 or 0.01), and physical impairment and required NSAIDs decreased significantly from Week 4 (P < 0.05 or 0.01) in Group A but only at Week 4 in Group B (P < 0.05 or 0.01). These effects were sustained until 1-mo follow-up (P < 0.01) in Group A but not in Group B; these effects were not observed at 2-mo follow-up even in Group A. In Group C, pain level decreased significantly only at Week 8 (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that repeated PENS is more effective than TENS for chronic LBP but must be continued to sustain the analgesic effect. IMPLICATIONS: A cumulative analgesic effect was observed in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) after repeated percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), but this effect gradually faded after the treatment was terminated. Results indicate that although PENS is effective for chronic LBP, treatments need to be continued to sustain analgesia.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

A comparative study of the pain alleviating effect of vibratory stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture and placebo.

The pain reducing effect of vibratory stimulation at 100 Hz, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at 100 Hz, electroacupuncture at 2 Hz as compared to placebo was studied in 36 patients suffering from myalgia. In 29 patients these modes of stimulation produced pain reduction. Out of these patients 18 rated vibratory stimulation, TENS or electroacupuncture as more effective than placebo while 6 patients rated placebo as more effective. Five patients rated the pain suppressive effect of vibratory stimulation, TENS and electroacupuncture as being equal to that of placebo. Four of the patients who experienced pain reduction with peripheral stimulation reported an effect only for one particular type of peripheral stimulation. The present results provide evidence that vibratory stimulation, TENS and electroacupuncture are as efficient pain suppressive measures and superior to placebo. It is suggested on the basis of these findings that vibratory stimulation, TENS and electroacupuncture merit consideration in the choice of treatment of myalgia.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

PubMed1978

Introduction to the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is an ancient but newly discovered modality. Initially intended for use in chronic pain syndromes, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be even more useful in managing acute pain. Although procedures for the use of this device are relatively simple, additional knowledge about selecting and adjusting the device as well as clinical experience will largely determine the degree of success obtained with this modality. Adjusting transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation units can alter the stimulus efficiency. No one wave-form is the most effective, but characteristics of effective wave-forms are known. In addition, the patient must be knowledgeable and cooperative when transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is applied.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

PubMed2000

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), originally based on the gate-control theory of pain, is widely used for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Despite its wide use and theoretical rationale, there appears at first glance little scientific evidence to support its use. This Cochrane review examines the available evidence on TENS for the treatment of chronic back pain through an exhaustive search of the literature. OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) for chronic low back pain management have experienced a tremendous growth over the past 25 years. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of TENS and ALTENS for reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic back pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE up to November 1997, EMBASE from 1985 to September 1995, Amed and Ciscom to January 1995, reference lists of the retrieved articles, proceedings of conferences and contacted investigators in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing TENS or ALTENS therapy to placebo in patients with chronic low back pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data on pain reduction, range of movement, functional and work status. MAIN RESULTS: Six trials were included. The trials included 288 participants with an average age range of 45 to 50 years and approximately equal numbers of women and men. The overall odds ratio for improvement in pain for each comparison was: TENS/ALTENS versus placebo 2.11 (95% confidence interval 1.32 to 3. 38), ALTENS versus placebo 7.22 (95% confidence interval 2.60 to 20.01) and TENS versus placebo 1.52 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 2.58). The odds ration for improvement in range of motion on ALTENS versus placebo was 6.61 (95% confidence interval 2.36 to 18.55). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence from the limited data available that TENS/ALTENS reduces pain and improves range of motion in chronic back pain patients, at least in the short term. A large trial of ALTENS and TENS is needed to confirm these findings.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed1992

[Treatment of post-traumatic hemarthroses of the knee and ankle in children using transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation].

TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) was applied in 36 children with knee or ankle hemarthros. Pain was diminished after first or second treatment and completely disappeared at the end of the first or second day. Swelling usually disappeared in the interval between the third and seventh day. At the end of the treatment joint movement was significantly improved. In the control group who received only conventional conservative treatment (puncture, immobilization or inactivity, drugs) swelling and pain were still present after the seventh day and these patients needed additional physiotherapy for next seven days. We consider the TENS a method of choice in the treatment of posttraumatic hemarthros providing that treatment starts immediately after the injury and that it is continually applied during 3-5 days. The patients are advised to use crutches. It is a simple, painless method which is not combined with any additional treatment. Proteolytic ointments can increase and stimulate the therapeutic effects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Visceral chest pain in unstable angina pectoris and effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. (TENS). A review.

A substantial proportion of patients with chest pain referred to hospital, show signs of coronary artery disease. Anginal pain could be conceptualized as a warning signal for coronary artery disease and impending death. But, for many reasons this theory is partly disputed. Firstly, not all ischemic episodes are accompanied by anginal pain (silent ischemia). Secondly, chest pain indistinguishable from true angina pectoris may be the result of other abnormalities of thoracic viscera. Nevertheless acute severe cardiac ischemia often gives rise to anginal chest pain. Unstable angina pectoris is carrying a higher risk for future events in spite of intensive medical treatment. A special problem are patients awaiting coronary intervention because of severe ischemia and maximum medical treatment, who experience ischemic pain. New treatment regimens are needed for these patients. This review discusses the symptom of visceral pain from the heart, angina pectoris, its relation to ischemia and unstable angina pectoris. It also addresses the role of afferent nerve stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS) in the treatment of severe angina pectoris as well as recent findings of TENS applicability in unstable angina.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

PubMed1984

The pain suppressive effect of vibratory stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as compared to aspirin.

The pain reducing effect of vibratory stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as compared to aspirin and placebo was studied in 60 patients suffering myofascial or musculoskeletal pain. Vibratory stimulation at 20 Hz, 100 Hz and 200 Hz and two modes of TENS were used for peripheral stimulation. In 48 patients these modes of stimulation produced pain reduction. Out of these patients 29 rated vibratory stimulation or TENS as more effective than aspirin while 9 patients rated aspirin as more effective. Ten patients rated the pain suppressive effect of vibratory stimulation and TENS as being equal to that of aspirin. Six of the patients who experienced pain reduction with peripheral stimulation reported an effect only for one particular type of peripheral stimulation. The present results provide evidence that vibratory stimulation and TENS are as efficient and in some patients more efficient pain suppressive measures as compared to aspirin. It is suggested on the basis of these findings that vibratory stimulation and TENS merit consideration in the choice of treatment of myofascial or musculoskeletal pain.

Aspirin↗

PubMed1984

The influence of mechanical vibratory stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on experimental pruritus induced by histamine.

The effect of conditioning mechanical vibratory stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on experimentally induced pruritus was studied on 12 healthy subjects. Pruritus was provoked by intradermal injection of histamine on the upper arm. Vibration at 10, 100 and 200 Hz and TENS at 2 and 100 Hz were applied (i) over or (ii) proximal (in the same dermatome) to the pruritic area for a period of 5 min following itch elicitation. In addition the influence of a 5 min pre-stimulatory regimen of the injection area was investigated (iii). The results obtained were compared with unconditioned values and with those obtained following a placebo conditioning procedure (i, ii). It was found that vibratory as well as electrical stimulation, for all frequencies used, reduced subjective itch intensity. Vibration at 100 Hz was the most effective mode of stimulation especially when applied directly to the pruritic area. Conditioning with 100 Hz vibration was also the most effective mode for reducing the duration of the itch response as well as the total experience of pruritus (estimated as a total itch index). Induction time to partial and maximal itch alleviation was shortest for 100 Hz vibration. The results indicate that treatment of pruritic conditions with conditioning stimulation, especially vibration, may be of therapeutic interest.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Blockade of opioid receptors in rostral ventral medulla prevents antihyperalgesia produced by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used extensively in inflammatory joint conditions such as arthritis, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to demonstrate an opiate-mediated activation of descending inhibitory pathways from the rostral ventral medulla (RVM) in the antihyperalgesia produced by low- (4 Hz) or high-frequency (100 Hz) TENS. Paw withdrawal latency to radiant heat, as an index of secondary hyperalgesia, was recorded before and after knee joint inflammation (induced by intra-articular injection of 3% kaolin and carrageenan) and after TENS/no TENS coadministered with naloxone (20 microg/1 microl), naltrindole (5 microg/1 microl), or vehicle (1 microl) microinjected into the RVM. The selectivity of naloxone and naltrindole doses was tested against the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO) (20 ng, 1 microl) and the delta2-opioid receptor agonist deltorphin (5 microg, 1 microl) in the RVM. Naloxone microinjection into the RVM blocks the antihyperalgesia produced by low frequency (p < 0.001), but not that produced by high-frequency TENS (p > 0.05). In contrast, naltrindole injection into the RVM blocks the antihyperalgesia produced by high-frequency (p < 0.05), but not low-frequency (p > 0.05) TENS. The analgesia produced by DAMGO and deltorphin is selectively blocked by naloxone (p < 0.05) and naltrindole (p < 0.05), respectively. Thus, the dose of naloxone and naltrindole used in the current study blocks mu- and delta-opioid receptors, respectively. Hence, low-frequency and high-frequency TENS produces antihyperalgesia by activation of mu- and delta-opioid receptors, respectively, in the RVM.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed2004

Optimal stimulation frequency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on people with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This is a double blind study that examined the optimal stimulation frequency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in reducing pain due to knee osteoarthritis. SUBJECTS: Thirty-four subjects were randomly allocated into 4 groups receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at either: (i) 2 Hz; (ii) 100 Hz; (iii) an alternating frequency of 2 Hz and 100 Hz (2/100 Hz); or (iv) a placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. METHODS: Treatment was administered 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures included: (i) a visual analogue scale; (ii) a timed up-and-go test; and (iii) a range of knee motion. RESULTS: The 3 active transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation groups (2 Hz, 100 Hz, 2/100 Hz), but not the placebo group, significantly reduced osteoarthritic knee pain across treatment sessions. However, no significant between-group difference was found. Similarly, the 3 active transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation groups, but not the placebo group, produced significant reductions in the amount of time required to perform the timed up-and-go test, and an increase in the maximum passive knee range of motion. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that 2 weeks of repeated applications of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at 2 Hz, 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz produced similar treatment effects for people suffering from osteoarthritic knee.

Aged↗

PubMed1978

Electrode placements for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Even though transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is gaining increasing acceptance as a noninvasive method of pain modulation, many professionals have not been adequately instructed in the many techniques involved in electrode placement. Alternative methods are presented that can be used when more commonly used methods fail to obtain satisfactory results. Anatomical and physiological considerations for determining appropriate electrode placement sites are stressed.

Cranial Nerves↗

PubMed1985

The influence of extrasegmental mechanical vibratory stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on histamine-induced itch.

The effect of peripheral conditioning stimulation on experimentally induced pruritus was studied in 12 healthy volunteers. Itch was induced by intradermal injections of histamine on the upper arms. Vibration at 100 Hz and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at 2 and 100 Hz were applied extrasegmentally (dorsal aspect of the lower part of the leg, ipsilateral to the injected arm) for a period of 5 min following induction of itch. The effect of a 5 and 30 min stimulation period before itch elicitation was also studied as well as the influence of placebo stimulation. No significant effects were obtained with 100 Hz vibration and 100 Hz TENS, and none with placebo stimulation, whereas significant itch reduction was seen using 2 Hz TENS. The local skin flare response following histamine injections was not altered following conditioning stimulation of any type.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Method of determining optimal stimulation sites for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

This article describes a technique that allows therapists to use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit and a finger to probe for the superficial points of nerves. The therapist holds one electrode of the stimulator channel in his hand and places the other electrode of the channel on the patient. The therapist then places his index finger as near as possible to the superficial point of the nerve innervating the patient's area of pain. The amplitude is then slowly increased until the patient reports a paresthesia radiating along the course of the nerve stimulated and into the area of pain. The rationale underlying this technique and its advantages and limitations are discussed. Because many of the points detected with this technique correspond to effective acupuncture points, the technique may also be a method of detecting those acupuncture points that are associated with nerves.

Acupuncture Therapy↗