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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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.