Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
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In pain medicine, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is "the use of specifically placed small electrodes to deliver electrical impulses across the skin to relieve pain. it is used less frequently to produce anesthesia."[1] The mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Some evidence suggests that it shares modes of action with some types of acupuncture. While TENS generators are usually small battery-powered devices worn by the patient, higher-voltage elecrostim units are used by physical therapists and other practitioners.
Effectiveness
A systematic review concluded that TENS:[2]
- May help diabetic neuropathy
- May not help lumbalgia
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Dubinsky RM, Miyasaki J (2009). "Assessment: Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in the treatment of pain in neurologic disorders (an evidence-based review). Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.". Neurology. DOI:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181c918fc. PMID 20042705. Research Blogging.