transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

stimulation /stim·u·la·tion/ (stim″u-la´shun) the act or process of stimulating; the condition of being stimulated.

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deep brain stimulation  (DBS) patient-controlled, continuous, high-frequency electrical stimulation of a specific area of the thalamus, globus pallidus, or subthalamic nucleus by means of an electrode implanted in the brain.

functional electrical stimulation  (FES) the application of an electric current by means of a prosthesis to stimulate and restore partial function to a muscle disabled by neurologic lesions.

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation  (TENS), transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) electrical stimulation of nerves for relief of pain by delivering a current through the skin.

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transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

n.

TENS.

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

A method for relieving the muscle pain of TMJ by stimulating nerve endings that do not transmit pain. It is thought that this stimulation blocks impulses from nerve endings that do transmit pain.

Mentioned in: Headache, Ménière's Disease, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

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stimulation [stim″u-la´shun]

the act or process of stimulating; the condition of being stimulated; see also promotion and enhancement.

cognitive stimulation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as promotion of awareness and comprehension of surroundings by utilization of planned stimuli.

cutaneous stimulation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as stimulation of the skin and underlying tissues for the purpose of decreasing undesirable signs and symptoms such as pain, muscle spasm, or inflammation.

deep brain stimulation (DBS) patient-controlled, continuous, high-frequency electrical stimulation of a specific area of the brain by means of an implanted electrode, which is controlled by a battery implanted just below the clavicle. The electrical signals block those signals from the brain causing tremors and some other related problems such as occur in Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

stimulation/nurturance in the omaha system, activities that promote healthy physical and emotional development.

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (transcutaneous neural stimulation) see transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

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transcutaneous [trans″ku-ta´ne-us]

transdermal.

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

1. use of a battery-powered device to relieve acute and chronic pain. Electrodes attached to the skin transmit electrical impulses, which produce a mild tingling, tapping, or massaging sensation. Reasons postulated for the effectiveness of this method include interruption of pain impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system, increased production of endorphins, and improved blood supply to the affected part. Increased circulation encourages healing and helps reduce muscle spasm. A second generation TENS unit called The Pain Suppressor is also available; it produces an electrical current but water is used as a conducting substance, it is not attached to the skin, and the patient does not perceive the electrode current. Treatments are administered several times per day. TENS is an alternative to drugs for the management of pain and can be used in a variety of conditions. A patient can use it with minimal instruction and may wear it at home as well as in the hospital.

2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as stimulation of skin and underlying tissues with controlled, low-voltage electrical vibration via electrodes.

transcutaneous neural stimulation (TNS) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (def. 1).

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transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,

n a technique used for pain relief in which nerves are electronically stimulated to block transmission of pain information to the brain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TES).

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transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Electrotherapy A modality in which low electrical current is sent through a pad at an injury site, stimulating the brain to release endorphins Rehabilitation medicine A modality for controlling pain by delivering low-level electric shocks to the skin; TENS effect is explained by the 'gate' theory of pain and is used to relieve pain of the lower back and neck, 'phantom' limb syndrome, amputation stump pain. See Electrical acupuncture; Cf Biofeedback training.

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Patient discussion about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Q. How does a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit help fibromyalgia. My aunt was suggested to go through TENS. Will that really help? How does a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit help fibromyalgia?

A. ‘TENS’ units are prescribed for chronic pain sufferers and fibromyalgia patients. What is a tens unit? Tens stands for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A tens unit is essentially a stimulation device consisting of electrodes that are attached to the skin, the unit itself, and a battery to provide current. A Tens unit uses electricity to block nerves from sending pain messages.