Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Abstract

This paper is based on improving the drug free, non- invasive method of pain relieve known
as (TENS).Gate control theory (Melzack and Wall, 1985) states that when an electrical
current is applied to a painful area, transmission of pain (via small diameter C & A-delta
fibers) to the brain is inhibited by the large diameter, fast-conducting A-beta fibers. The
Central Nervous System (CNS) can interpret and transmit only one form of sensory stimulus
at a time, therefore the brain does not perceive pain. This requires frequencies of above
10pps (pulses per second or Hz) but usually between 80-100pps.Improvising this method a
mobile application is used to make TENS a more versatile, low cost and personal method. A
waveform is loaded on to a memory cardand then this waveform is used by the TENS mobile
app to provide treatment to the site of pain. The conductive gel is applied to the site of pain
and TENS electrodes are placed on top or next to the painful area where the signal is
applied.
Therefore the output waveform obtained from Mobile phone based TENS is displayed in a
CRO (Cathode Ray Oscilloscope). The waveform output obtained from the entire module
remained similar to the wave being generated and played in mobile application. An output
power of approximately 5 watts is achieved through the process. Loading the waveform into
our TENS module is very less time consuming as compared to the slow loading models
available in the market. The waveform files stored can be simply sent via Bluetooth or can be
transferred via E-Mail. Another advantage is that there is no limitation in case of number of
pre-programs in our module as it consumes very less space in the SD card. LABVIEW based
module is used by the users to design the pulse width, frequency, treatment mode and shape
of waveform thus breaking the barriers in the TENS available in the market. Therefore, this
particular TENS module can achieve the concept of patient specific waveform for pain
therapy i.e., for each of the patient waveform of different shape, frequency, pulse width,
intensity can be designed and given via different modes of treatment, thus increasing the
quality of treatment. Presentation of this paper deals with design of a versatile, low-cost
mobile phone based Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device that is capable of
treating chronic and acute pain.
Therefore, TENS would act as a means of treatment for above mentioned pain. Further
modifications on this project can be provided by designing a feedback electrode which would
prevent chances of shock to the patient and thus minimizing risk of any kind of hazard.