TENS and FES for sensory impairment and gait dysfunction following removal of spinal cord ependymoma--a case report.
BACKGROUND
Sensory deficits are commonly reported following the resection of spinal cord tumours. The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as augmented sensory input is described in the research literature but rarely in the clinical literature. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used for people with motor impairments rather than sensory impairments.


RESULTS
This case report describes the use of TENS and FES for a patient with severe sensory loss and mild weakness in the right leg following the removal of an intramedullary spinal cord tumour. The patient was able to walk more quickly and more confidently when using TENS and FES in combination. She consistently reported greater benefits from TENS alone compared to FES alone and continued to use TENS delivered via a sock electrode at six months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of TENS as a sensory stimulus was an invaluable component of this patient's treatment, allowing her to engage in a more challenging balance and gait programme at an earlier stage in her rehabilitation. Combining FES with TENS was also useful and allowed treatment to address motor and sensory impairments concurrently during functional activity.
Donnellan
Clare P
CP
Linden Lodge Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, City Campus, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK. clare.donnellan@nuh.nhs.uk
Caldwell
Kate
K
D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome