MATRESCU COJOCARU MIHAELA KERF 405 C

TRADUCERE DE PE SITE;
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtPrint/WSIHWOOD/8513/34968/36393.html
Stimularea electrica transcutanata nervoasa TENS implica tercerea unui
curent electric de tensiune scazuta prin electrozi lipiti de piele Acest curent
este livrat prin fire de la o unitate de mica putere . Frecvena i intensitatea
acestui tratament depinde de condiia specific i obiectivele de tratament. n
consecin, electrozi sunt plasate n diverse locuri de pe corp. Frecvena
intensitatea si locul de aplicare sunt considerate a fi eseniale pentru obinerea
unor efecte optime n timpul i dup stimulare.
TENS este cel mai frecvent utilizat pentru managementul durerii. Exist
diferite tipuri de TENS:
TENS convenional - sau cu frecven electrica inalta si joasa se
aplic, de multe ori n apropierea zonelor afectate.
Acupunctura-cum ar fi TENS curentul cu frecventa joasa este utilizat
la punctele de declanare specifice.
Auricular TENS - Curentul electric este aplicat la ureche

Teorie
Electricitatea a fost folosita ca medicament de mii de ani. Sculpturi in piatra din
Egiptul antic descrie pete electric utilizat pentru a trata durerea. n Grecia
antic, pete electrogen a fost utilizat pentru a trata artrita si dureri de cap.
Exista mai multe explicatii propuse pentru modul n care pot lucra TENS:
Acesta poate afecta terminatiile nervoase care percep durerea sau
atingerea uoar.
Aceasta poate interfera cu caile nervoase.
Se poate modifica actiunea unor produse chimice naturale (cum ar fi
endorfinele, encephalins, opioide sau substana P), care afecteaz modul
n care este perceput durerea i transmisia.
Nici unul dintre aceste mecanisme nu a fost clar demonstrat n cercetarea
tiinific.
Teorii utilizate n mod tradiional pentru a explica acupunctura, cum ar fi
efectele asupra fluxului de energie vital, de asemenea, au fost oferite pentru a
explica TENS.Folosirea curentului TENS poate afecta sistemul cardiovascular,
cresterea ritmului cardiac si reducerea tensiunii arteriale.

Dovad
Oamenii de stiinta au studiatTENS pentru urmtoarele probleme de sntate:
Durere
TENS este cel mai adesea utilizat pentru a trata durerea i este folsit
pentru a trata o mare varietate de dureri acute i cronice asociate cu
cancer, tratamente pentru cancer, arsuri, amputarea (dureri la nivelul
membrelor fantom), i alte cauze. TENS a fost de asemenea studiat ca
anestezie pentru proceduri medicale i intervenii chirurgicale. Mai
multe studii susin eficacitatea TENS pentru anumite tipuri de
durere. Cu toate acestea, TENS, ca un tratament pentru durere este
controversat.
Tulburri commune
Exist dovezi c folosirea lui poate scuti de diferite tipuri de dureri de
comune, cum ar fi osteoartrita la genunchi, sindromul patellofemoral, i
dureri articulatiei temporomandibulare. Cu toate acestea, beneficiile pe
termen lung sunt neclare.
Boala Alzheimer
O cantitate mic de rapoarte de cercetare arata ca TENS poate ameliora
unele simptome ale bolii Alzheimer, cum ar fi starea de spirit, de
memorie i de cicluri de repaus zilnic i activitate.
Boal de inim
TENS poate fi utilizat pentru a trata afectiuni cardiovasculare, cum ar fi
angina pectorala (durere in piept de la boli de inima) si a ischemiei
cardiace (lipsa fluxului sanguin la nivelul inimii). Este necesar un studiu
suplimentar nainte de a trage concluzii n ceea ce privete eficiena
TENS n acest domeniu. Persoanele cu boli de inima sau dureri in piept
sunt sftuii s solicite imediat asisten medical de la un medic
liceniat. Multe medicamente pentru boli de inima sunt disponibile
Tulburri autoimmune
TENS a fost folosit pentru a trata afeciuni autoimune numeroase,
inclusiv artrita reumatoida, spondilita anchilozant (artrita a coloanei
vertebrale), iar sindromul Sjgren.Cu toate acestea, nu exist suficiente
dovezi tiinifice c TENS este un tratament eficient pentru aceste
afectiuni
Dureri de spate
TENS sau acupunctura TENS asemntoare a fost utilizata pentru a trata
durerea care afecteaz spatele, gtul, umerii TENS este, de asemenea,
folosit pentru a reduce recurena hernii de disc . Cu toate acestea, este
nc neclar dac TENS este benefic.

Dismenoree (menstruatie dureroasa)

Mai multe studii mici raporteaz c TENS poate reduce pe termen scurt
disconfort i nevoia de medicamente pentru durere. Cu toate acestea,
aceasta cercetare nu a produs rezultate concludente.
Durere de cap
Exist unele dovezi c TENS poate avea unele beneficii la pacienii cu
migrene, dureri de cap cu dispersie, sau dureri de cap cronice. Cu toate
acestea, cercetarea nu a produs rezultate concludente.
Tulburri nervoase
TENS a fost propus ca un tratament pentru tulburari nervoase, cum ar fi
hemiplegie (paralizie pe o parte a corpului) si spasticitate in scleroza
multipla. TENS a fost de asemenea utilizat pentru a trata durerea
nervoase (nevralgie), rezultate de bruxism (scrasnitul dintilor) i leziuni
ale coloanei . Cu toate acestea, nu exist dovezi suficiente c TENS este
eficient n tratarea tulburrilor nervoase.

Fibromialgia
Nu sunt suficiente dovezieste tiinifice pentru a concluziona dac
TENS este eficace in tratarea fibromialgie.
Grea
TENS a fost sugerat ca un tratament pentru greata in timpul sarcinii sau
dupa interventia chirurgicala. Cu toate acestea, nu este suficiente dovezi
tiinifice pentru a trage o concluzie ferm cu privire la eficacitatea
TENS pentru prevenirea grea sau vrsturi. De asemenea, este neclar
dac TENS utilizat n timpul sarcinii este sigur pentru copilul
nenscut. Mai multe cercetari sunt necesare.
Durerea de oase rupte / traumatisme acute
Exist unele dovezi c TENS poate ameliora durerea de oase rupte i
alte traume fizice. Cu toate acestea, mai multe cercetari sunt necesare
inainte de a recomanda TENS pentru a trata durerea de oase rupte.
Diabetica Neuropatia periferic (dureri ale nervilor)
TENS a fost sugerat ca un tratament pentru neuropatie periferic la
diabetici. Cu toate acestea, nu exist dovezi suficiente c aceasta este un
tratament eficient.
Herpesul zoster (nevralgie post-herpetice)
Primele cercetri nu ofer suficiente dovezi tiinifice pentru a trage o
concluzie ferm cu privire la eficacitatea TENS in nevralgia postherpetice.
RECUPERAREA POSTOPERATORIE

Exist mai multe studii pentru folosirea TENS pentru a trata durerea
dupa diferite tipuri de intervenii chirurgicale, inclusiv chirurgie
abdominal, chirurgie cardiaca, chirurgie pulmonar, chirurgie
ginecologica si chirurgia ortopedic. Unele studii raporteaz prestaiile
(mai putina durere, mai putina durere cu micarea, sau mai puin
nevoie de medicamente pentru durere)
Post-accident vascular cerebral de reabilitare
Exist unele dovezi c TENS este benefic n reabilitare accident
vascular cerebral. TENS poate imbunatati functia motorie la pacientii cu
accident vascular cerebral.Sunt necesare cercetari suplimentare pentru a
trage o concluzie ferm cu privire la eficacitatea.folosirii TENS
Rnile
TENS a fost folosita pentru a ajuta la vindecarea ranilor de piele si
ulceratii ale pielii. Cu toate acestea, nu exist dovezi suficiente c TENS
este un tratament eficient pentru vindecarea ranilor.
Incontinen urinar, vezica hiperactiva, instabilitatea
Desi mai multe studii au sprijinit folosirea TENS pentru a trata
incontinenta urinara, dovada lipsete.
Atrofie muscular spinal (la copii)
Dei terapia TENS a fost folosita pentru copii cu atrofie musculara
spinala, dovezile limitate nu suport eficiena sa.

Dificulti la respiraie
Unele dovezi sugereaz c TENS ar putea fi util pentru dificultati de
respiratie, cum ar fi la pacientii care arde sau adjuvant la alte
componente ntr-un program de reabilitare pentru boli pulmonare
obstructive cronice (BPOC). Aceasta cercetare timpurie nu ofer dovezi
tiinifice pentru a trage o concluzie ferm.
Sintrmul de tunnel carpian
Terapia cu TENS a fost studiata ca un tratament pentru sindromul de
tunel carpian Dei dovezile timpurii sunt ncurajatoare, sunt necesare
mai multe cercetari.
esuturilor moi a prejudiciului
TENS terapie a fost folosita pentru tratarea leziunilor tesuturilor moi,
cum ar fi leziuni tendoanelor . Cu toate acestea, rezultatele au fost
amestecate. Sunt necesare cercetari suplimentare.
Scleroza multipl
ntr-un mic studiu, pacienii cu scleroz multipl tratai cu TENS au
artat o tendin de mbuntire. Studii mai mari, bine concepute sunt

necesare inainte de a trage concluzii

Claudicatie (din cauza fluxului sanguin sarace picior durere)
Unele dovezi sugereaza ca stimularea electric poate fi benefic pentru
ameliorarea simptomelor de claudicaie intermitent. Alte dovezi sunt
necesare nainte de a trage o concluzie ferm.
Atentie-deficit de tulburare de hiperactivitate (ADHD)
Un mic studiu a constatat un beneficiu moderat la copiii cu ADHD, dar
cercetri suplimentare sunt necesare inainte de a se trage o concluzie
ferma
Tulburri cognitive
Exist unele dovezi c TENS imbunatateste starea de spirit la pacienii
vrstnici Cu toate acestea, aceast cercetare timpurie nu ofer destule
dovezi tiinifice cu privire la eficacitatea. TENS
Hipotensiune arterial
Exist unele dovezi c TENSi reduce severitatea tensiunii arteriale la
pacienii supui la cezariana. Mai multe studii sunt necesare pentru a
recomanda TENS ca un tratament sigur si eficient pentru scderea
tensiunii arteriale.
Tinitus (zgomote n urechi)
TENS poate ameliora simptomele de tinitus, mai ales atunci cnd tinitus
nu este cauzat de alte afeciuni. Sunt necesare mai multe cercetari in
acest domeniu.
Autism
TENS a fost folosit in terapie pentru copiii autiti, dei beneficiile
rmn neclare. Mai multe cercetari sunt necesare pentru a stabili dac
este TENS o form eficient de tratament pentru autism.
Obezitatea
TENS a fost folosita pentru a ajuta pierderea in greutate la subieci
obezi. Cu toate acestea, dovada este limitat i eficacitatea TENS in
pierderea n greutate rmne neclare
Simptomele menopauzei
TENS a fost folosit pentru a ajuta la reglarea echilibrului hormonal la
femeile la menopauza. Cu toate acestea, efectul TENS asupra
simptomelor menopauzei nu a fost atent examinat.
Depresiune
Exist dovezi limitate c TENS trateaza eficient depresia si creste
eficacitatea de medicamente pentru depresie. Cu toate acestea,
elementele de prob pn n prezent nu accept utilizarea de TENS
singur sau n terapii combinate pentru depresie.
Constipaie

Tratamentul cu TENS a fost folosit pentru a calma constipaie, fara

efecte adverse. Cu toate acestea, exist dovezi limitate c acest
tratament este eficient sau superior la alte tratamente.
Tulburri pancreatice
TENS a fost utilizat pentru a trata pacienii cu pancreatit acut. Cu
toate acestea, beneficiile sunt neclare, i nu exist dovezi suficiente
pentru a recomanda TENS pentru tratarea tulburrilor pancreatice.
Alergiile
TENS a fost folosita pentru ameliorarea simptomelor de alergii
sezoniere, dei beneficiile nu sunt bine nelese.
Fora muscular (performana fizic)
A fost raportat c recuperarea fizic se imbunatateste cu terapia
TENS. TENS a fost, de asemenea, utilizat pentru a crete fora
muscular, sugernd poteniale beneficii n terapie fizic i de
reabilitare. Dei rezultatele au fost ncurajatoare, mai multe cercetari
pot sprijini utilizarea sa n programele de reabilitare fizice.
Stomac
TENS a fost combinat cu terapia magnet pentru tratamentul de arsuri la
stomac. Cu toate acestea, eficacitatea este neclar, i nu exist dovezi
suficiente pentru a recomanda TENS pentru tratamentul durerilor de
stomac.
Fluxul de snge Tulburri
Exist unele dovezi c TENS poate mbunti fluxul de snge, n
special dup proceduri chirurgicale. Cu toate acestea, nu este clar dac
TENS este un tratament eficient pentru tulburrile de flux de sange.
Boala Raynaud
Exist unele dovezi care sugereaz c TENS poate ameliora simptomele
asociate cu boala Raynaud. Sunt necesare cercetari suplimentare pentru
a determina eficacitatea folosirii lui

Gut
Exist dovezi limitate c TENS scade nivelul de acid uric n snge, ceea
ce sugereaz c ar putea fi un tratament eficient pentru guta. Cu toate
acestea, sunt necesare mai multe dovezi pentru a recomanda TENS n
tratarea sau prevenirea gutei.

Pericolele poteniale

n general, TENS este raportat ca fiind bine tolerat, dei cercetarea n domeniul
siguranei este limitat. Iritarea pielii i nroirea sunt cele mai frecvente efecte
secundare, care apar la o treime din oameni. Electrozii pot provoca urticarie,
welts sau reacii alergice ale pielii (dermatit de contact). Arsurile electrice pot
s apar n cazul utilizrii excesive sau tehnica necorespunztoare.
Pentru c exist un risc de arsuri, TENS ar trebui s fie utilizat cu precautie la
persoanele cu sensibilitate scazuta, cum ar fi persoanele cu neuropatie. TENS
nu trebuie utilizat la persoanele cu dispozitive medicale, cum ar fi
defibrilatoare cardiace, stimulatoare cardiace, pompe de perfuzie intravenoas
Electrocutare sau defectarea aparatului pot aprea.
Exist rapoarte izolate de mai multe efecte secundare, inclusiv acumularea de
lichid n plmni, prbuirea parial a plaminilor, pierderea de senzatie, durere
sau senzatii neplacute (aproape sau departe de locul de TENS), dureri de cap,
dureri musculare , grea, agitaie i ameeli. Nu este clar dac TENS a cauzat
aceste probleme. Convulsii au fost raportate, i TENS ar trebui s fie utilizate
cu prudenta la persoanele cu tulburri convulsive Este uneori sugerat c TENS
pot afecta sistemul cardiovascular, cresterea ritmului cardiac si reducerea
tensiunii arteriale.
Desi in multe studii s-a folosit TENS pentru ameliorarea durerii in timpul
nasterii, dovezi cu privire la sigurana sa este limitat, i un risc teoretic de
afectare a ftului exist. Creteri ale ritmului cardiac fetal i o interferen cu
echipamente de monitorizare a inimii fetale au fost raportate. Sigurana TENS
nu este stabilit la copii.
Rezumat
TENS este cel mai frecvent folosit pentru a gestiona durerea, dei a fost
recomandat sau studiata pentru multe alte conditii medicale. Dovezi
preliminare sugereaza ca TENS poate fii benefic n controlul durerii si a
simptomelor osteoartritei la genunchi. Alte utilizri ale TENS nu au fost
suficient studiate pentru a trage concluzii ferme. Reaciile cutanate pot
aprea. Persoanele cu dispozitive medicale ar trebui s evite TENS. TENS ar
trebui s fie utilizat cu pruden i numai sub supraveghere medical la femeile
gravide, copiii i persoanele cu tulburri convulsive

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves the passage of

low-voltage electrical current to electrodes pasted on the skin. The current is
delivered through wires from a small battery-powered power unit. The
frequency and intensity of this treatment depend on the specific condition and
treatment goals. Accordingly, the electrode pads are placed in various sites on
the body. Frequency, intensity, and site of application are believed to be pivotal
to achieving optimal effects during and after stimulation.
TENS is most commonly used for pain management. There are different types
of TENS:
Conventional TENS High- or low-frequency electrical current is
applied, often near affected areas.
Acupuncture-like TENS Lower-frequency current is used at specific
trigger points.
Auricular TENS Electrical current is applied to the ear

Theory
Electricity has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Stone carvings
from ancient Egypt depict electric fish being used to treat pain. In ancient
Greece, electrogenic torpedo fish were used to treat arthritis and headache.
There are several proposed explanations for how TENS may work:
It may affect the nerves that perceive pain or light touch.
It may interfere with nerve pathways.
It may alter the natural chemicals (such as encephalins, endorphins,
opioids or substance P) that affect the way pain is perceived and
transmitted.
None of these mechanisms has been clearly demonstrated in scientific research,
and the basis of potential activity of TENS is controversial.
Theories traditionally used to explain acupuncture, such as effects on flow of
vital energy, have also been offered to explain TENS. It is sometimes suggested
that TENS may affect the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and
reducing blood pressure.
Evidence
Scientists have studied TENS for the following health problems:
Pain
TENS is most often used to treat pain and is suggested to treat a wide
variety of acute and chronic pain associated with cancer, cancer

treatments, burns, amputation (phantom limb pain), and other

causes. TENS has also been studied as anesthesia for medical
procedures and surgeries. Several studies support the effectiveness of
TENS for some types of pain. However, TENS as a pain treatment is
controversial, and more conclusive research is needed.
Joint disorders
There is some evidence that TENS may relieve various kinds of joint
pain, such as knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral syndrome, and
temporomandibular joint pain.However, the long-term benefits are
unclear. Better research is needed to make a strong recommendation.
Alzheimer's disease
A small amount of early research reports that TENS may improve some
symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as mood, memory and cycles of
daily rest and activity. Better studies are necessary to make a conclusion.
Heart disease
TENS may be used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as angina
(chest pain from heart disease) and cardiac ischemia (lack of blood flow
to the heart). Further study is needed before conclusions can be drawn
regarding the effectiveness of TENS in this area. People with heart
disease or chest pain are advised to seek immediate medical attention
from a licensed physician. Many well-studied drugs for heart disease are
available
Autoimmune disorders
TENS has used to treat numerous autoimmune disorders, including
rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and
Sjgren's syndrome.However, there is not enough scientific evidence
that TENS is an effective treatment for these conditions.
Back pain
TENS or acupuncture-like TENS has been used to treat pain affecting
the back, neck, and shoulders. TENS is also reported to reduce the
recurrence of spinal disk hernias. However, it remains unclear if TENS
is beneficial. Better research is needed to make a firm conclusion.
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Several small studies report that TENS may reduce short-term
discomfort and the need for pain medications. However, this research
has not produced conclusive results. Better-designed trials are needed to
make a firm conclusion.
Headache
There is some evidence that TENS may have some benefits in patients
with migraines, cluster headaches, or chronic headaches. However, the
research has not produced conclusive results. Better research is needed

to make a firm conclusion.

Nerve disorders
TENS has been proposed as a treatment for nerve disorders, such as
hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) and spasticity in multiple
sclerosis. TENS has also been used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia)
resulting from bruxism (teeth grinding) and spinal chord
injuries. However, there is not enough evidence that TENS is effective
in treating nerve disorders.

Fibromyalgia
There is not enough high-quality scientific evidence to conclude
whether TENS is effective in treating fibromyalgia.
Nausea
TENS has been suggested as a treatment for nausea during pregnancy or
after surgery. However, there is not enough high-quality scientific
evidence to draw a firm conclusion about effectiveness of TENS for
preventing nausea or vomiting. It is also unclear if TENS used during
pregnancy is safe for the unborn child. More research is needed.
Pain from broken bones/acute trauma
There is some evidence that TENS may relieve pain from broken bones
and other physical trauma. However, more research is needed before
TENS can be recommended to treat pain from broken bones.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
TENS has been suggested as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy in
diabetics. However, there is not enough evidence that this is an effective
treatment.
Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
Early research does not provide enough high-quality scientific evidence
to draw a firm conclusion about effectiveness of TENS in post-herpetic
neuralgia.
Postoperative recovery
There are multiple studies of TENS being used to treat pain after
different types of surgery, including abdominal surgery, heart surgery,
lung surgery, gynecologic surgery and orthopedic surgery. Some studies
report benefits (less pain, less pain with movement, or less need for pain
medications), and others find no improvements. Better-quality research
is needed to make a firm conclusion.
Post-stroke rehabilitation
There is some evidence that TENS is beneficial in stroke

rehabilitation. TENS may improve motor function in stroke

patients. Further research is needed to draw a firm conclusion about
effectiveness.
Wounds
TENS has been reported to help heal skin wounds and skin
ulcers. However, there is not enough evidence that TENS is an effective
treatment for wound healing.
Urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, detrusor instability
Although several studies have supported using TENS to treat urinary
incontinence, high-quality evidence is lacking.
Spinal muscular atrophy (in children)
Although TENS therapy has been suggested for children with spinal
muscular atrophy, the limited evidence does not support its
effectiveness.

Breathing difficulties
Some evidence suggests that TENS could be useful for breathing
difficulties, such as in burn patients or in adjunct to other components in
a rehabilitation program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). This early research does not provide enough high-quality
scientific evidence to draw a firm conclusions.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
TENS therapy have been studied as a treatment for carpel tunnel
syndrome. Although the early evidence is encouraging, more research is
needed.
Soft tissue injury
TENS therapy has been used for treating soft tissue injuries, such as
tendonitis and tendon injuries. However, results have been
mixed. Further research is needed.
Multiple sclerosis
In a small study, patients with multiple sclerosis treated with TENS
showed a trend toward improvement. Larger, well-designed studies are
needed before conclusions can be drawn.
Claudication (leg pain due to poor blood flow)
Some evidence suggests chronic electrical muscle stimulation may be
beneficial for the relief of intermittent claudication symptoms. Further
evidence is needed before drawing a firm conclusion.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A small study found a moderate benefit in children with ADHD, but

further research is warranted before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Cognitive impairment
There is some evidence that TENS improves mood and mild cognitive
impairment in otherwise healthy elderly patients. However, this early
research does not provide enough high-quality scientific evidence about
effectiveness.
Low blood pressure
There is some evidence that TENS reduces the severity of low blood
pressure in patients undergoing Cesarean section. More studies are
needed to recommend TENS as a safe and effective treatment for low
blood pressure.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
TENS may relieve the symptoms of tinnitus, especially when the
tinnitus is not caused by other conditions. More research is needed in
this area.
Autism
TENS has been used in therapy for autistic children, although the
benefits remain unclear. More research is needed to determine whether
TENS is an effective form of therapy for autism.
Obesity
TENS has been reported to aid weight loss in obese subjects. However,
evidence is limited and the effectiveness of TENS in weight loss
remains unclear.
Menopausal symptoms
TENS has been shown to help regulate hormonal balance in women
undergoing menopause. However, the effect of TENS on menopausal
symptoms has not been closely examined.
Depression
There is limited evidence that TENS effectively treats depression and
increases the effectiveness of depression medications. However, the
evidence thus far does not support the use of TENS alone or in
combination therapies for depression.
Constipation
Treatment with TENS has been reported to relieve constipation with no
adverse effects. However, there is limited evidence that this treatment is
effective or superior to other treatments.
Pancreatic disorders
TENS has been used to treat patients with acute pancreatitis. However,
benefits are unclear, and there is not enough evidence to recommend
TENS for treating pancreatic disorders.

Allergies
TENS has been reported to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies,
though the benefits are not well understood. More research is
recommended.
Muscle strength (physical performance)
It has been reported that physical recovery after exercise improves with
TENS therapy. TENS has been also used to increase muscle strength,
suggesting potential benefits in physical therapy and
rehabilitation. Although results have been encouraging, more research
may support its use in physical rehabilitation programs.
Stomach complaints
TENS has been combined with magnet therapy for the treatment of
heartburn. However, the effectiveness is unclear, and there is not enough
evidence to recommend TENS for the treatment of stomach complaints.
Blood flow disorders
There is some evidence that TENS can enhance blood flow, especially
after surgical procedures. However, it is unclear whether TENS is an
effective treatment for blood flow disorders.
Raynaud's disease
There is some evidence to suggest that TENS may improve the
symptoms associated with Raynaud's disease. Further research is needed
to determine effectiveness.

Gout
There is limited evidence that TENS decreases uric acid levels in the
blood, which suggests that it may be an effective treatment for
gout. However, more evidence is needed to recommend TENS in the
treatment or prevention of gout.

Potential Dangers
In general, TENS is reported as being well tolerated, although research on
safety is limited. Skin irritation and redness are the most common side effects,
occurring in up to one-third of people. Electrode paste may cause hives, welts
or allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis). Electrical burns may occur with
excessive use or improper technique.

Because there is a risk of burns, TENS should be used with caution in people
with decreased sensation, such as people with neuropathy. TENS should not be
used in people with implanted medical devices such as cardiac defibrillators,
pacemakers, intravenous infusion pumps or hepatic artery infusion
pumps. Electrical shock or device malfunction may occur.
There are isolated reports of several other side effects, including fluid buildup
in the lung, partial collapse of the lung, loss of sensation, pain or unpleasant
sensations (near or away from the site of TENS), increased hair growth,
headache, muscle aches, nausea, agitation and dizziness. It is not clear if TENS
caused these problems. Seizures have been reported, and TENS should be used
cautiously in people with seizure disorders. It is sometimes suggested that
TENS may affect the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and reducing
blood pressure.
Although multiple studies have used TENS for pain relief during childbirth,
evidence about its safety is limited, and a theoretical risk of harm to the fetus
exists. Elevations in fetal heart rate and interference with fetal heart monitoring
equipment have been reported. This technique should not be used unless under
the strict supervision of an experienced licensed health care practitioner. Safety
of TENS is not established in children.
Summary
TENS is most commonly used to manage pain, although it has been
recommended or studied for many other medical conditions. Preliminary
evidence suggests that TENS may be beneficial in the control of dental
procedure pain and knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Other uses of TENS have not
been sufficiently studied to draw firm conclusions. Skin reactions may
occur. People with implanted medical devices should avoid TENS. TENS
should be used cautiously and only under medical supervision in pregnant
women, children and people with seizure disorders.