---
title: "What Is Contraindication? TENS and Pain Glossary"
description: "A contraindication is a specific situation in which a medicine, procedure or device should not be used because it may be harmful to the person."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/contraindication
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Safety

# Contraindication

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a medicine, procedure or device should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.

MedlinePlus defines a contraindication as a specific situation in which a medicine, procedure or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person. For TENS, the NHS says not to use it if you have epilepsy or a pacemaker, or if you are pregnant unless your doctor or midwife tells you to. University of Iowa Health Care lists a [cardiac pacemaker](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/cardiac-pacemaker) or defibrillator, a spinal cord stimulator, and any implanted metallic or electronic device. Ask your clinician before you start, and follow your clinician's and your device's instructions. Read the [TENS unit safety guide](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-unit-safety) and see [implanted medical device](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/implanted-medical-device).

## Related terms

-   [Cardiac pacemaker](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/cardiac-pacemaker)
-   [Implanted medical device](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/implanted-medical-device)
-   [Skin irritation](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/skin-irritation)
-   [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Contraindication](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002314.htm)
2.  [NHS: TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/)

## Questions about your unit or a bill?

Call toll free. For customer care, ask for extension 508.

[Call (800) 749-1188](tel:+1-800-749-1188)[Pay invoice](https://ahcpatientservices.com/)