Darsonvalization

a method of medical treatment using high-frequency impulse current (110–400 kilohertz), high voltage (tens of thousands of volts), and low amperage (up to 100–200 milliamperes). Named for J. A. d’Arsonval, who first proposed the method in 1891.

The application of d’arsonvalization may be either local or general. In local d’arsonvalization a current from a high-frequency pulse generator enters the patient through vacuum electrodes or through graphite-filled glass electrodes, which are moved over the body surface or inserted into a cavity, such as the rectum. In general d’arsonvalization the patient sits or lies down in a “D’Arsonval cell”—the coil of an oscillation circuit. The active factors in local d’arsonvalization are the high-frequency impulse current passing through the body of the patient and the electrical charge produced between the skin of the patient and the electrode; in general d’arsonvalization the active factor is the high-frequency eddy currents induced in the patient’s surface tissues according to the law of electromagnetic induction.

In d’arsonvalization the physicochemical processes in the tissues are changed; in local d’arsonvalization there is resultant improvement in central nervous system activity, tissue trophism, metabolic processes, and blood circulation. Phagocytic activity of the leucocytes is increased as well. The mechanism of the effect of general d’arsonvalization on the body has been less well studied; it is known that it exerts a calmative effect, increases metabolism, and lowers elevated arterial blood pressure. Local d’arsonvalization is used for neuralgia, neuritis of the auditory nerve, myalgia, headaches, itching, vaginismus, the initial stages of oblitera-tive vascular diseases, varicose veins of the legs, hemorrhoids, wounds and ulcers that fail to heal, first-degree frostbite, and cosmetic purposes; general d’arsonvalization is used in hypertensive disease of the first or second degree, neurasthenia with increased agitation, poor sleep, and some metabolic diseases.