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Warning-sign checks

TENS: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or signs of a stroke such as sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.

    These symptoms need emergency assessment whether or not they started during TENS.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you develop a blister, burn, persistent skin injury, marked pain increase, or unusual palpitations during treatment.

    Stop using the device until you have been advised that it is safe to restart.

The article also says

Contact your healthcare team routinely if you develop repeated mild rashes, cannot find a comfortable setting, obtain no useful relief, or need advice about pad placement.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on TENS. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.