Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Reduces Resting Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Pilot Study

Conclusion Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves pain in HNC patients receiving radiation but not function or pain with function relative to placebo or no TENS. Implications for Practice Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be a viable tool for radiation-induced HNC pain to complement pharmacologic approaches. This nonpharmacologic intervention could decrease the debilitating effects of radiation and analgesics, and improve quality of life. Clinical trials should examine the effects and safety of repeated, daily TENS in HNC patients receiving radiation.
Source: Cancer Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research