Perspectives on central nervous system responsiveness to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

This review article is designed to further enlighten the physical therapist about pathways transmitting nociceptive information and about systems capable of inhibiting this transmission. At present, little information exists to explain how transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation effects changes in pain perception. Contemporary knowledge regarding proposed modes of action for this modality is presented in light of current neurophysiological information. In explaining the action of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, alternatives to the gate-control theory of pain are suggested as being quite possible. Questions regarding future investigations are proposed.