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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
        
(Message started by: KarynG on Mar 18^th, 2004, 10:35am)

Title: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by KarynG on Mar 18^th, 2004, 10:35am

Hi Everyone,

A family member recently gave me a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation system that can be also be used as a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. The literature says that when the electrodes are placed on the skin over cutaneous nerves, the stimuli travels through the cutaneous nerves to the deeper afferent nerves and then to the spinal cord and brain to control pain.

Whew! Okay, now I have a fairly slow computer and google brought forth a LOT of information which may or may not be accurate as lots of people are apparently selling these things for a ridiculous array of conditions. I did not find anything on the search engine here. It does not seem that this machine helps with back pain according to the study I read in the New England Journal, but I am wondering if anyone has tried it for a CH and if so what were the results?

Thank you!

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by thomas on Mar 18^th, 2004, 10:40am

I have not used it, but would be interested in what results you may have with it. Although, I hope you never have to use it.

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by Tiannia on Mar 18^th, 2004, 2:17pm

My father uses a TENS Unit for his back and so does my husband. Never thought about using it for CH though. Not sure where you would put it.

PF Wishes to you.
Tiannia

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by KarynG on Mar 18^th, 2004, 3:02pm

Thanks, I appreciate the input and I saw those websites but I'm not really looking for information from the people who sell these things. The receipt in the bag for the one I have says $950.00 so I think they might be just a little biased on how well they work... I'm just looking for any info from someone who might have tried it or just has some thoughts or ideas about it. I doubt there have been any studies, but you never know. It's hard sometimes in the land of dial up with a prehistoric phone line...
;;D

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by UN_SOLVED on Mar 18^th, 2004, 4:44pm

Sorry...No faith in it. The OSNI failed for me so I doubt a TENS unit would work either.
See "Occipital Nerve Stimulator" in the Medications & Treatments board.

Unsolved

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by t_h_b on Mar 18^th, 2004, 6:27pm

It's probably not the best idea to go zapping your head with even a little electricity without any kind of knowledeable medical guidance, CH or not.

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by miapet on Mar 19^th, 2004, 10:26am

THe electricity experience I have . .wasn't/isn't for ch . . .I liked it, but it didn't 'fix' anything . . .even the hospital/therapy strength TENS didn't 'fix' anything, just felt like elephants dancing on the injury . . .no healing power for me . . .I even wore an e/s patch . . .

$950 is WAY expensive . . .if you really would like one, let me know the mondel/style etc, and I'll check the prices here . . .if they are the same, your relative can return that one, and I can send you the information on how to get it from here . . .they were only . .maybe 1/2 that price, last time I checked.

Title: Re: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
Post by KarynG on Mar 19^th, 2004, 11:17am

Thanks very much for the offer, but it was paid for by insurance. (Probably explains why it was so expensive) I will just keep it and talk to my physical therapist about whether it would be safe to at least try using it for CH and keep my ears open for future info. Thanks again!