title: Peripheral neural excitability. Implications for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
abstract: Basic neurophysiological principles necessary for understanding the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are presented. Peripheral and central neural mechanisms are reviewed, and the effects of individual pulse characteristics on neural excitability are analyzed. Representative commercial stimulators are compared, and wave-forms for different load conditions are illustrated. Discussion includes important considerations for clinical effectiveness and for patient acceptance and safety.
mesh_terms: D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission