Report of Adverse Event with Electroacupuncture

Abstract

Electroacupuncture (EA) is becoming more common as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. It can be associated with adverse events related to the small electric currents used, in addition to the adverse events related to needle penetration of tissues. This paper reports a case of minor tissue damage following high intensity EA for 30 min with a device delivering a waveform that does not appear to be completely charge-balanced. This case highlights a rare but preventable adverse event. Manufacturers should be encouraged to develop EA stimulators that use charge-balanced waveforms.