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The new micropatterned interdigitated electrode for selective assessment of the nociceptive system
Author(s) -
Di Stefano Giulia,
Di Lionardo Andrea,
La Cesa Silvia,
Di Pietro Giuseppe,
Fasolino Alessandra,
Galosi Eleonora,
Leone Caterina,
Cruccu Giorgio,
Marinelli Lucio,
Leandri Massimo,
Truini Andrea
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1002/ejp.1545
Subject(s) - nociception , scalp , neurophysiology , stimulation , peripheral , neuroscience , medicine , neuropathic pain , electrophysiology , nociceptor , anesthesia , biomedical engineering , psychology , anatomy , receptor
Background In this neurophysiological study, we aimed at verifying the nociceptive selectivity of the new, micropatterned electrode (150IDE), recently designed to generate an electric field limited to the intraepidermal free nerve endings. Methods Using the new 150IDE, we recorded evoked potentials after stimulation of the face and hand dorsum in 22 healthy participants and in patients with exemplary conditions selectively affecting the nociceptive system. We also measured the peripheral conduction velocity at the upper arm and verified the nociceptive selectivity of 150IDE assessing the effect of a selective block of nociceptive nerve fibres of radial nerve with local anaesthetic infiltration. In healthy participants and in patients, we have also compared the 150IDE‐evoked potentials with laser‐evoked potentials. Results In healthy participants, the 150IDE‐evoked pinprick sensation and reproducible scalp potentials, with latency similar to laser‐evoked potentials. The mean peripheral conduction velocity, estimated at the upper arm, was 12 m/s. The selective nociceptive fibre block of the radial nerve abolished the scalp potentials elicited by the 150IDE stimulation. In patients, the 150IDE‐evoked potentials reliably detected the selective damage of the nociceptive system. Conclusions Our neurophysiological study shows that this new 150IDE provides selective information on nociceptive system. Significance 150IDE is a promising new tool for investigating nociceptive system in patients with neuropathic pain.