4
electrical stimulator across a patient's heart or
transthoracically.
• Do not stimulate over the carotid sinus nerves;
especially for patients with known sensitivity to
the carotid sinus refl ex.
• Severe spasm of the laryngeal or pharyngeal
muscles may occur when electrodes are placed
over the neck or mouth area. Contractions may
be strong enough to close the airway or cause
diffi culty in breathing.
• Do not apply electrical stimulation
transcerebrally.
• Do not use electrical stimulation over
swollen, infected or infl amed areas, or
skin eruptions such as phlebitis,
thrombophlebitis, or varicose veins.
• Keep electrical stimulators out of the reach of
children.
2.4 PRECAUTIONS
2.4.1 TENS
• Isolated cases of skin irritation may occur at the
site of electrode placement following long-term
application
• Effectiveness is highly dependent upon patient
selection by a person qualifi ed in the
management of pain.
PRECAUTIONS Continued
2.4.2 NMES
1. Precautions should be taken in the presence of:
A tendency to hemorrhage following acute trauma or
fracture
Recent surgical procedures when muscle
contraction may disrupt the healing process.
A menstruating uterus.
Sensory nerve damage (loss of normal skin
sensation).
2. Some patients experience skin irritation or
hypersensitivity due to the conductive medium or
electrical stimulation. This condition can usually be
reduced by alternative electrode placement or use of
additional or a different conductive medium.
3. Electrode placement and stimulation settings should
be based on the guidance of the prescribing physician.
4. Powered muscle stimulators should be used only with
the lead wires and electrodes recommended for use by
the manufacturer.
2.5 ADVERSE EFFECTS
Skin irritation and burns beneath the electrodes
have been reported from use of electrical
stimulators.
