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3. TENS is a symptomatic treatment and, as such, suppresses the
sensation of pain, which would otherwise serve as a protective
mechanism.
4. Safety has not been established for the use of therapeutic
electrical stimulation during pregnancy. Do not use during
pregnancy unless directed by your physician.
5. Electrical stimulation is not effective for pain of central origin,
such as a headache.
6. Electrical monitoring equipment (such as ECG monitors and ECG
alarms) may not operate properly when electrical stimulation is in
use.
7. Stimulation should not be applied over the carotid sinus nerves,
particularly in patients with a known sensitivity to the carotid
sinus reflex.
8. Stimulation should not be applied over the neck or mouth. Severe
spasm of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles may occur and
the contraction may be strong enough to close the airway or
cause difficulty in breathing.
9. Stimulation should not be applied transthoracically. Introduction
of electrical current into the heart may cause cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Stimulation should not take place while the user is connected to
high-frequency surgical equipment, it may cause burn injuries on
the skin under the electrodes, as well as problems with the
stimulator.
11. Do not use the stimulator in the vicinity of shortwave or
microwave therapy equipment, since this may affect the output
power of the stimulator.
12. Never use in environments with high humidity such as in the
bathroom or when having a bath or shower.
13. Caution should be used in applying electrical stimulation to
patients suspected of having heart disease. Further clinical data
is needed to show there are no adverse results.
14. Never use near the heart. Stimulation electrodes should never be
placed anywhere on the front of the thorax (marked by ribs and
breastbone), take extreme caution not to place near or on the two
large pectoral muscles. Here it can increase the risk of ventricular
fibrillation and lead to cardiac arrest.
15. Electrodes should not be placed over the eyes, in the mouth,
near the genitals or internally.
16. Never use on the areas of the skin which lack normal sensation.
17. Apply the electrodes to clean, dry, and unbroken skin only.