Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with peripheral and central
neuropathic pain
Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) therapy on pain intensity and functional capacity in patients with either peripheral neuropathic
pain or central neuropathic pain.
METHODS: A total of 40 patients (20 with peripheral neuropathic pain and 20 with central neuropathic
pain) were included in this study. Pain severity, pain quality, and functional capacity were assessed
with a visual analogue scale, a neuropathic pain scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory, respectively. A
pre–post-treatment design was used. Semmes Weinstein monofilaments were used to evaluate touch
sensation. Mild pressure was applied to provoke static mechanical allodynia. The presence of any
severe and sharp pains upon pricking was considered a positive sign for hyperalgesia. The 2 groups
of patients received 20/30-min sessions of TENS therapy over 4 weeks.
RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding the pre-treatment
values for visual analogue scale, neuropathic pain scale, and Brief Pain Inventory. The pain
parameters in both groups were significantly decreased by TENS therapy for 4 weeks (p < 0.05). The
group with peripheral neuropathic pain presented more overall improvements than the group with
central neuropathic pain (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: TENS therapy can be used successfully in clinical practice as an alternative or
supportive treatment.