The Analgesic Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the Opposite Side for Phantom Limb Pain

Abstract

Objective: To observe the effects of TENS on the contralateral limb and PLP reduction. Materials and Methods: This was a single center retrospective study of 20 amputee participants with phantom limb pain. The inclusion criteria were participants aged above 18, average pain of at least 4/10 on the numerical rating scale (NRS), duration of pain longer than one week and treatment with TENS on the opposite side. We recorded pain intensity before and after TENS application, response time to treatment, satisfaction, and adverse effects. Results: Of the 20 amputee participants, all patients suffered from PLP and three also suffered from residual limb pain. The average pain score before use of TENS was 4.85/10 and after was 1.15/10. The mean pain intensity score was reduced by 3.7/10 (95% CI 2.95-4.45/10) or 76.28% (95% confidence interval 63.61-89.47%). The average overall satisfaction was 81.65%, and no adverse effects from application of TENS was reported. Conclusion: The study shows that the application of TENS on the opposite side is a safe and effective treatment method for intractable pain from PLP.