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Human microneurography and intraneural microstimulation in the study of neuropathic pain
Author(s) -
Torebjörk Erik
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880161010
Subject(s) - microneurography , microstimulation , neuropathic pain , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , neuroscience , anesthesia , psychology , stimulation , baroreflex , heart rate , blood pressure
Abstract Psychophysical experiments in combination with microneurography and intraneural microstimulation in awake human subjects have yielded some useful information on somatosensory functions under normal and pathologic conditions. Normally, pain is signaled by nociceptive afferents, and tactile sensations are evoked from activation of low‐threshold mechanoreceptors. Following tissue injury, nociceptors are sensitized, and their enhanced responsiveness correlates with hyperalgesia to heat and in some cases to mechanical stimuli. In addition, ongoing activity in sensitized nociceptive afferents may lead to central sensitization in such a way that normally nonpainful gentle stroking the skin evokes pain from activation of low‐threshold mechanoreceptors. This particular change in signal processing in the central nervous system is restored when the ongoing nociceptive input is interrupted, whereas other forms of central sensitization can outlast the duration of the nociceptive input. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.