Transcutaneous electrical stimulation for ischaemic pain at rest

Abstract

Patients with critically ischaernic legs often develop severe continuous pain at rest. Pain relief is often provided with intramuscular injections of opiates, which can lead to excessive drowsiness and respiratory problems before major surgery. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation can provide effective relief in several chronic pain syndromes1; furthermore, electrical stimulation of the nervous system may affect blood flow to the extremities.2 We report our initial findings of electrical stimulation on pain in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. © 1987, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.