Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief

Abstract

In this article, we propose to study and to conceive a programmable signal generator allowing inhibition of certain types of pain. This system would be provided with an electrode which could be applied in the periphery level of the patient's spinal cord in order to excite the nervous zone responsible for pain transmission. The conceived system would be commanded with variable voltages and piloted by a dedicated microcontroller. This would allow us to have different possibilities in conceiving various shapes of stimulating waves. The purpose is to offer flexibility during clinical adjustments especially when programming the various parameters of electrical stimuli. A PC connection was also provided in order to visualize and to adjust stimulating wave parameters. Our system could be then considered as an original one since it is enhanced by flexibility and maneuverability during clinical trials.