Transcutaneous nerve stimulation device and method for using same

A device for providing transcutaneous nerve stimulation, comprising:

• pulse generator means for providing an output waveform comprising a series of electrical pulses;
• amplitude adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude of said output waveform supplied by said pulse generator means between zero amplitude and full amplitude;
• repetition rate adjustment means for adjusting the rate at which said electrical pulses are repeated in said output waveform;
• cycle length adjustment means for adjusting the length of time that said output waveform will be provided by said pulse generator means;
• start switch means for initiating the provision of said output waveform from said pulse generator means;
• reset switch connected to said pulse generator means for resetting said device for providing transcutaneous nerve stimulation;
• first safety interlock means for preventing said start switch means from repetitively initiating the provision of said output waveform from said pulse generator means without said device first being reset with said reset switch means;
• second safety interlock means for preventing said start switch means from repetitively initiating the provision of said output waveform from said pulse generator means without said amplitude adjustment means first being set to adjust the amplitude of said output waveform to zero amplitude;
• a first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes for placement on a surface of the body of a patient to be treated, said first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes being electrically connected to said pulse generator means whereby said output waveform is supplied by said pulse generator means to said first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes;
• clip means for retaining said first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes in contact with the surface of one ear of a patient;
• a second pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes for placement on a surface of the body of a patient to be treated, said second pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes being electrically connected to said pulse generator means whereby said output waveform is supplied by said pulse generator means to said second pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes and
• clip means for retaining said second pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes in contact with the surface of the other ear of a patient.

A device for providing transcutaneous nerve stimulation, comprising:

• means for providing a pulsatile electrical output waveform;
• means for adjusting the amplitude of said pulsatile electrical output waveform;
• means for adjusting the rate at which pulses are repeated in said pulsatile electrical output waveform;
• means for adjusting the length of time that said pulsatile electrical output waveform will be provided;
• means for initiating the provision of said pulsatile electrical output waveform;
• means for resetting said device for providing transcutaneous nerve stimulation connected to said means for providing a pulsatile electrical output wave form;
• means for preventing the repetitive initiation of the provision of said pulsatile electrical output waveform without said device first being reset;
• and
• a first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes for placement on a surface of the body of a patient to be treated, said first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes being supplied with said pulsatile electrical output waveform.

A method of providing transcutaneous nerve stimulation, comprising:

• providing an output waveform comprising a series of electrical pulses from a pulse generator;
• adjusting the amplitude of said output waveform supplied by said pulse generator between zero amplitude and full amplitude;
• adjusting the rate at which said electrical pulses are repeated in said output waveform;
• adjusting the length of time that said output waveform will be provided by said pulse generator;
• initiating the provision of said output waveform from said pulse generator;
• preventing the repetitive initiation of the provision of said output waveform from said pulse generator without said device first being reset;
• and
• supplying said output waveform to a first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes for placement on a surface of the body of a patient to be treated, said first pair of transcutaneous pad electrodes being electrically connected to said pulse generator.