•
Inspect Electrodes. Inspect electrodes before each use. Replace electrodes when they begin to deteriorate or lose
adhesion. Poor contact between the electrodes and the patient's skin increases the risk of skin irritation or burns.
Electrodes will last longer if used and stored according to instructions on electrode packaging. Attach the elec-
trodes in such a way that their entire surface is in contact with the skin.
36
•
Foreign bodies. Do not allow any foreign bodies (soil, water, metal, etc.) to penetrate the device and the battery
compartment. Batteries. Do not carry batteries in a pocket, purse, or any other place where the terminals could
become short-circuited (e.g. by way of paper clip). Intense heat could be generated and injury may result. Never
open the battery cover during stimulation in order to avoid electrical shock. Remove the batteries from the device
if you do not intend to use it for a prolonged period of time (more than 3 months). Extended storage of the bat-
teries in the device might lead to batteries and device damage.
•
Cable. The cable is best preserved if left attached to the stimulator between sessions. Do not jerk the cable or
connection.
•
Heat and Cold products. The use of heat or cold producing devices (e.g. electric heating blankets, heating pads or
ice packs) may impair performance of the electrode or alter the patient's circulation/sensitivity and increase the
risk of injury to the patient.
•
Pulled muscles. Do not apply electrodes over pulled muscles. Using the stimulator on a previously extended mus-
cle might further pull such muscle. The higher the stimulation intensity, the higher the risk to further overextends
such muscle.
•
Additional Precautions for TENS
– TENS is not effective for pain of central origin, including headache.
– TENS is not a substitute for pain medications and other pain management therapies.
– TENS devices have no curative value.
– TENS is a symptomatic treatment and, as such, suppresses the sensation of pain that would
otherwise serve as a protective mechanism.
•
Effectiveness of TENS is highly dependent upon patient selection by a practitioner qualified in the management
of pain patients.
3.4. DANGERS
•
Electrodes. Any Electrode with a minimum active area of 16 cm² may be used with this device. Use of an electrode
with an area less than 16 cm² can cause burns when the unit is used at higher intensities. Consult your clinician
prior to using any electrode less than 16 cm².
3.5. ADVERSE REACTIONS
•
Patients may experience skin irritation and burns beneath the stimulation electrodes applied to the skin.
•
Patients may experience headache and other painful sensations during or following the application of electrical
stimulation near the eyes and to the head and face.
•
Patients should stop using the device and should consult with their physicians if they experience adverse reactions
from the device.
•
Precaution: Do not disconnect any stimulation cables during a session while the stimulator is switched on. Switch
the stimulator off first. Always turn off the stimulator before moving or removing any electrodes during a session.
•
Precaution: Do not use electrodes with an active area less than 16 cm2, as there will be a risk of suffering a burn
injury. Caution should always be exercised with current densities more than 2mA/cm2.
•
Precaution: Do not apply stimulation in the vicinity of metal. Remove jewelry, body piercings, buckles or any other
removable metallic product or device in the area of stimulation. Never use the electrodes contra-laterally, i.e. do
not use two pins connected to the same channel on opposite segments of the body.