Influence of transcutaneous spinal stimulation on human LTP-like pain amplification: a randomized, double-blind study in volunteers

Objective: Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) has been proven to affect nociceptive signal processing. We designed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to investigate whether tsDCS applied before or after inducing long-term potentiation-(LTP)-like hyperalgesia may decre...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Schweizer, Lauren (VerfasserIn) , Magerl, Walter (VerfasserIn)
Dokumenttyp: Article (Journal)
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: 18 May 2017
In: Clinical neurophysiology
Year: 2017, Jahrgang: 128, Heft: 8, Pages: 1413-1420
ISSN:1872-8952
DOI:10.1016/j.clinph.2017.05.008
Online-Zugang:Verlag, Volltext: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2017.05.008
Verlag, Volltext: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138824571730192X
Volltext
Verfasserangaben:L.M. Schweizer, P.K. Zahn, E.M. Pogatzki-Zahn, W. Magerl, M. Tegenthoff, C.H. Meyer-Frießem
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:Objective: Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) has been proven to affect nociceptive signal processing. We designed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to investigate whether tsDCS applied before or after inducing long-term potentiation-(LTP)-like hyperalgesia may decrease nociceptive sensitivity. Methods: In healthy volunteers, tsDCS (2.5mA, 15min) was applied to the thoracic spine prior (n=14) or immediately following (n=12) electrical high-frequency stimulation (HFS) to the thigh, inducing hyperalgesia. Mechanical and electrical perception were assessed before HFS stimulation and at three time points following HFS stimulation (all within 90min of HFS). Subjects took part in three separate sessions to test effects of anodal, cathodal, or sham tsDCS. Results: Within 60minHFS led to unilateral changes on the conditioned side: mechanical pain thresholds tended to decrease and electrical detection thresholds significantly decreased (p<0.001); pain ratings measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS) increased for electrical stimuli (p<0.01) and two categories of mechanical stimuli (“Light(8-64mN)”: p=ns; “Heavy(128-512mN)”: p<0.01). Irrespective of stimulation order or polarity, tsDCS could not influence nociceptive sensitivity. Conclusion: Hyperalgesia was adequately induced, but tsDCS had no effect on HFS-induced sensitization. Significance: While tsDCS has been shown to affect pain measures, our results suggest irrespective of time of stimulation or polarity that tsDCS may be less effective in modulating pain in a sensitized state in healthy subjects.
Beschreibung:Gesehen am 16.07.2018
Available online 18 May 2017
Beschreibung:Online Resource
ISSN:1872-8952
DOI:10.1016/j.clinph.2017.05.008