The Human Body vs. the Stun Gun

The human brain sends electric signals throughout the body, expanding and contracting muscles in the right sequence necessary for basic functions like walking, picking something up, going to sleep, etc. For instance, when we eat, the mouth signals the brain to tell it what the food tastes like. When we touch something, the hand sends a signal to the brain describing what the object feels like. So, electricity is used by the body to communicate with the brain.

The basic function of a stun gun is to disrupt the body’s electric communication system by delivering a high-voltage, low amperage electrical charge (high pressure, low intensity). The high voltage of stun guns allows it to pass through heavy clothing and penetrate. The low intensity of a stun gun prevents permanent damage to the body, unless it is applied for an extended period of time – it only takes 1-5 seconds for the stun gun to have its affect.

The ultimate effect of a stun gun is to confuse the brain:

• The electric charge combines with the brain’s electric signals. Essentially adding random noise to the body’s communication system and thus overloading the system to the point that the brain has a difficult time getting through to the body’s muscles to tell it to move. This temporarily, partially paralyzes the body.

• The electric current from the stun gun mimics the body’s electrical signals, overloading it with instructions. The body then uses all its energy, and it quickly becomes very weak.

So, this is how stun guns are able to incapacitate – applying electricity to the body’s muscles and nerves. With muscles and nerves all over the body, it doesn’t matter where the stun gun touches the body.