Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) therapy on pain intensity and functional capacity in patients
with either peripheral neuropathic pain or central neuropathic pain. METHODS: A
total of 40 patients (20 with peripheral neuropathic pain and 20 with central
neuropathic pain) were included in this study. Pain severity, pain quality, and
functional capacity were assessed with a visual analogue scale, a neuropathic
pain scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory, respectively. A pre-post-treatment
design was used. Semmes Weinstein monofilaments were used to evaluate touch
sensation. Mild pressure was applied to provoke static mechanical allodynia. The
presence of any severe and sharp pains upon pricking was considered a positive
sign for hyperalgesia. The 2 groups of patients received 20/30-min sessions of
TENS therapy over 4 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between
the 2 groups regarding the pre-treatment values for visual analogue scale,
neuropathic pain scale, and Brief Pain Inventory. The pain parameters in both
groups were significantly decreased by TENS therapy for 4 weeks (p < 0.05). The
group with peripheral neuropathic pain presented more overall improvements than
the group with central neuropathic pain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TENS therapy can
be used successfully in clinical practice as an alternative or supportive
treatment.
- TENS

Langue : ANGLAIS