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Stun Gun Injury: Care Instructions

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Overview

Projectile stun guns use electricity to stun a person. The gun is sometimes known as a Taser or Phazzer.

The gun shoots barbed darts. The darts are connected to the gun by long wires. The electricity sent along the wires to the darts causes muscle spasms. This may have made you fall to the ground.

The darts leave small punctures. It's important to keep these puncture wounds clean while they heal.

Stun guns may cause other medical problems such as burns and muscle problems. Your muscles may be sore for a day or two.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Put ice or a cold pack on the sore muscles for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
  • You may also try heat for sore muscles. Put a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on the area. Put a thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin.
  • Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • Your urine looks pink or brown.
  • You have new muscle pain or your pain gets worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.