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Cortical and spinal evoked potential response to electrical stimulation in human rectum
Brian Garvin1, Lisa Lovely, Alex Tsodikov
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Michigan Clinical Research Unit, Level 1, Room 1702, Cardiovascular Center, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5872, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 19, 2010
Summary
A new technique allows simultaneous recording of spinal and cortical evoked potentials (EPs) from rectal stimulation. This method is reliable for assessing rectal neural pathway function in various disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Assessing neural pathways innervating the rectum is crucial for diagnosing various neurological and functional disorders.
- Current methods may have limitations in comprehensively evaluating these pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel technique for simultaneous recording of spinal and cortical evoked potentials (EPs) in response to rectal electrical stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Healthy volunteers (8 male, 9 female) received electrical stimulation via rectal mucosal electrodes.
- Spinal and cortical EPs were recorded using skin electrodes and a Nicolet Viking IV signal conditioner.
- Stimulus intensity varied (0-100 mA) with a 0.2 ms square wave duration.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous spinal and cortical EPs were successfully recorded in over 80% of trials.
- Responses showed dose-dependent increases with stimulus intensity and were reproducible.
- Lidocaine application blocked responses, confirming neural origin. Latency and amplitude data were consistent with literature.
Conclusions:
- This novel technique provides reliable and reproducible assessment of rectal afferent neural pathways.
- It holds potential for diagnosing neurodegenerative and functional pain disorders affecting the rectum.
