Electrical Stimulation

Question 1

2 types of currents

Answer 1

Faradic

Galvanic

Question 2

Electrical Stimulation is

Answer 2

Low frequency current 1-1000Hz

Question 3

Faradic current

Answer 3

Used to treat intact nerves
Frequency = 50-100Hz
Pulse duration = 0.1-1ms
Graph = rectagular
Tetanic contraction

Question 4

Galvanic current

Answer 4

Used for denervated muscles 
Frequency = 30Hz
Duration = 1-600ms or 300ms
Graph = saw tooth
Twitch contraction

Question 5

Patient has nerve damage

Answer 5

First use FC. If no contractions after 14 days, start using galvanic (Wallerian degeneration)

Question 6

Types of nerve injuries

Answer 6

Neuropraxia - compression of the nerve due to edema
Axonotmesis - axon and myelin sheath are cut but endo-, peri-, and epineurium still intact
Neurotmesis - both axon and nerve sheath are cut

Question 7

Indications

Answer 7

Initiate muscle action
Training for new muscle action
Maintain or increase ROM
Improve lymphatic and venous drainage
Stimulate denervated muscles
Replace orthosis
Reeducation of muscle action 
Loosen adhesion

Question 8

Physiological effects

Answer 8

Body tissues - good conductors of electricity
Motor nerves - FC tetanic GC twitch
Sensory nerves - FC tingling GC burning

Question 9

2 types of stimulation

Answer 9

Unipolar

Bipolar

Question 10

Median nerve

Answer 10

Flexion of thumb index middle and little of ring finger
Supracondylar fracture or elbow dislocation
Inactive = medial epicondyle of the humerus
Active = forearm

Question 11

Ulnar nerve

Answer 11

Flexion of ring and little finger
Supracondylar fracture or traction injury
Inactive = medial epicondyle
Active = radial muscles

Question 12

Radial nerve

Answer 12

Extensors
Supracondylar fracture or radius head dislocation
Inactive = later epicondyle
Active = extensor muscles

Question 13

Erb’s Paralysis

Answer 13

Injury of C7
Inactive = nap of the neck
Active = on muscles

Question 14

Facial nerve

Answer 14

Seventh cranial nerve
Inactive = nap of the neck
Active = muscles

Question 15

Lateral popliteal nerve

Answer 15

Foot drop
Inactive = lateral neck of fibula
Active = tibialis anterior

Question 16

Faradic foot bath

Answer 16

Week foot muscles
Inactive = under heel
Active = under metatarsals’ heads

Question 17

Faradism under pressure

Answer 17

Reduce edema
Active = where more edema
Inactive = opposite side

Question 18

Strength duration curve

Answer 18

Provides valuable information about the state of excitability of nerve lesion

Only after 21 days following nerve injury

Question 19

Contraindications

Answer 19

Fever
Wounds
Pacemaker
Hypersensitive skin
Lack of sensation

Question 20

Curve shape

Answer 20

Normal = left
Complete denervation = right
Partial denervation = right with a kirk