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Pain-Related somatosensory evoked potentials
R Kakigi1, S Watanabe, H Yamasaki
1Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan. kakigi@nips.ac.jp
Summary
Pain somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) using electrical or laser stimuli involve Adelta fibers and specific brain regions. Combining pain SSEP with conventional SSEP aids in detecting nervous system lesions and subclinical abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) are crucial for assessing sensory pathway function.
- Pain-related SSEP (pain SSEP) provides insights into the processing of noxious stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review basic and clinical findings on pain SSEP elicited by electrical and laser stimuli.
- To compare pain SSEP with conventional SSEP in diagnosing nervous system lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pain SSEP(E) and pain SSEP(L).
- Analysis of nerve conduction velocities, generator sources, and influencing factors (vigilance, attention).
Main Results:
- Pain SSEP(E) and pain SSEP(L) involve Adelta fibers (10-15 m/s) with generators in the secondary somatosensory cortex, insula, and limbic system.
- Pain SSEP(L) abnormalities correlate with pain-temperature sensation deficits (A5 fibers, spinothalamic tract).
- Conventional SSEP abnormalities correlate with tactile/vibratory deficits (Aalpha/Abeta fibers, dorsal column).
Conclusions:
- Pain SSEP(L) and conventional SSEP reflect distinct sensory pathways and fiber types.
- Combining both SSEP types is valuable for detecting physiological and subclinical abnormalities in nervous system disorders.