cefar Direct TENS - Page 10

10
Direct TENS
™
• Batteries. Do not carry batteries in a pocket, purse, or any other place where the terminals could become
short-circuited (e.g. by way of paper clip). Intense heat could be generated and injury may result. Never
open the battery cover during stimulation in order to avoid electrical shock. Remove the batteries from the
device if you do not intend to use it for a prolonged period of time (more than 3 months). Extended storage
of the batteries in the device might lead to batteries and device damage.
• Cable. The cable is best preserved if left attached to the stimulator between sessions. Do not jerk the cable
or connection.
• Heat and Cold products. The use of heat or cold producing devices (e.g. electric heating blankets, heating
pads or ice packs) may impair performance of the electrode or alter the patient’s circulation/sensitivity and
increase the risk of injury to the patient.
• Pulled muscles. Do not apply electrodes over pulled muscles. Using the stimulator on a previously extended
muscle might further pull such muscle. The higher the stimulation intensity, the higher the risk to further
overextends such muscle.
• Additional Precautions for TENS
– TENS is not eective for pain of central origin, including headache.
– TENS is not a substitute for pain medications and other pain management therapies.
– TENS devices have no curative value.
– TENS is a symptomatic treatment and, as such, suppresses the sensation of pain that would otherwise
serve as a protective mechanism.
• Eectiveness of TENS is highly dependent upon patient selection by a practitioner qualified in the
management of pain patients.
Dangers
• Electrodes. Any Electrode with a minimum active area of 16 cm² may be used with this device. Use of an
electrode with an area less than 16 cm² can cause burns when the unit is used at higher intensities. Consult
your clinician prior to using any electrode less than 16 cm².
Adverse Reactions
• Patients may experience skin irritation and burns beneath the stimulation electrodes applied to the skin.
• Patients may experience headache and other painful sensations during or following the application of
electrical stimulation near the eyes and to the head and face.
• Patients should stop using the device and should consult with their physicians if they experience adverse
reactions from the device.
• Precaution: Do not disconnect any stimulation cables during a session while the stimulator is switched on.
Switch the stimulator o first. Always turn o the stimulator before moving or removing any electrodes
during a session.
• Precaution: Do not use electrodes with an active area less than 16 cm2, as there will be a risk of suering a
burn injury. Caution should always be exercised with current densities more than 2mA/cm2.
• Precaution: Do not apply stimulation in the vicinity of metal. Remove jewelry, body piercings, buckles or
any other removable metallic product or device in the area of stimulation. Never use the electrodes contra-
laterally, i.e. do not use two pins connected to the same channel on opposite segments of the body.
• Precaution: Never carry out an initial stimulation session on a person who is standing. The first five minutes
of stimulation must always be performed on a person who is sitting or lying down. In rare instances, people
of a nervous disposition may experience a vasovagal reaction. This reaction is connected with fear of the
muscle stimulation as well as surprise at seeing one of their muscles contract without having intentionally
contracted it themselves. A vasovagal reaction causes heart to slow down and blood pressure to drop,
which can make you feel weak and faint. If this does occur, stop the stimulation and lie down with the legs
raised until the feeling of weakness disappears (5 to 10 minutes).
• Precaution: Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build up inside the stimulator. To prevent
this, allow it to reach room temperature before use.