Re: RLS/TENS

[Guest guest]

> Frame wrote:

>

> Your question about TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve

> stimulation) : This too is a medically approved therapy for the

> control of pain by applying a mild electric current to the body (the

> legs for me) with electrodes. I don't really know how or why it

> works on pain - I suspect it nulls the signals of pain to the brain

> somehow. I'm new here, so I don't know if this has been discusssed

> and discarded as useless. I have had some success with this by

> altering the current and voltage of these circuits. I've used

> asymmetrical alternating current in voltages from 50 to 75,000 into

> loads of 500 to 1000 ohms at various pulse rates and widths with

> modulation of the pulse rate from 2 pulses per burst to 16. These

> are specifications beyond the values normally found on TENS units

> but in a harmless range. You need a prescription from a doctor to

> have one of these machines. Unless you build your own....... I do

> not recommend you try anything like this. The warnings that come

> with TENS units are scary enough. But I have found that they will

> stop RLS symptoms temporarily on me. I don't know of anyone else

> that has tried this. Dr. Levin, why and how do TENS unit work for

> pain? Has anyone else tried a TENS unit with any success?

>

>

Bob

As you mention, there are many contraindications to the use of TENS

and they should be heeded carefully to avoid serious consequences. The

prescribing physician should know what TENS is all about and what the

dangers are for the individual patient. Most TENS units operate in the

area of 60 milliamperes and the voltages that you cite are in

millivolts, not volts. At 1000 ohms and 75,000 volts, that is a

current flow of 75 amperes. You would be cooked in a matter of

seconds. Just a note of caution to anyone who decided to try this on

their own.

The theory of TENS is that the electrical current applied through the

electrodes to the involved area blocks transmission of pain impulses

to the spinal cord and brain by altering the electrical status of the

nerve fibers. There is also a theory that TENS stimulates the

production of endorphins by the brain. Endorphins are natural pain

relievers.

I tried TENS for RLS prior to knowing about Sinemet. Just keeping the

electrodes connected with my legs kicking about was a major problem.

After getting better adhesive, the electrodes stayed on but there was

no relief of my RLS. The legs kept moving and winding the wires around

them. If the RLS didn't keep me from sleeping, the binding of my legs

did. Most physical therapy departments will rent the units to try, so

you don't have to buy one to see if it works. ($200-500) Getting the

cost approved by Medicare or other insurance could be a problem,

unless the wording of the claim is carefully done.

Dr. Levin