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2.2 CONTRAINDICATIONS
2.2.1 TENS
• Do not stimulate over the carotid sinus
nerves, laryngeal or pharyngeal muscles
(anterior throat area); severe spasm may
occur causing contractions that may be
strong enough to close the airway or
cause diffi culty in breathing.
• Do not use TENS device on undiagnosed
pain symptoms until the etiology has
been established.
• Do not place electrical current
transcerebrally (through the head).
• Do not use TENS on patients wearing a
demand type cardiac pacemaker.
2.2.2 NMES
• Electrical stimulation devices are
contraindicated for patients with cardiac
demand pacemakers.
• Electric stimulation devices should not be
used on cancer patients.
2.3 WARNINGS
2.3.1 TENS
• Safety has not been established for the
use of electrical stimulation devices
during pregnancy.
• TENS is not effective for pain of the central
origin. (This includes headache.)
• TENS devices should be used only under the
continued supervision of a physician or qualifi ed
professional.
• TENS devices have no curative value.
• TENS is a symptomatic treatment and as such
suppresses the sensation of pain, which
would otherwise serve as a protective
mechanism.
• Keep electrical stimulators out of the reach of
children.
• Electronic monitoring equipment (such as ECG
monitors and ECG alarms) may not operate
properly when TENS stimulation is in use.
WARNINGS Continued
2.3.2 NMES
• Safety has not been established for the use
of electrical stimulation devices during
pregnancy.
• Long-term effects of chronic electrical stimulation
are unknown.
• Precautions should be taken in the case of
persons with suspected or diagnosed epilepsy.
• Precautions should be taken in the case of
persons with suspected heart problems.
• Due to possible arrhythmia, do not place an
