[An analysis of the analgesic action of electroacupuncture]

The analgetic effect of electroacupuncture (EAP) was assessed by changes in subjective feelings, amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and testing of monosynaptic transmission of spinal neurons. Following EAP changes in psychophysical and psychological characteristics of stimulation perception in healthy subjects corresponded to a decrease in late SSEP components, threshold of H-reflex appearance and maximum amplitude, which was not observed in patients before surgery. Changes in subjective sensitivity registered in the latter patients did not significantly differ from baseline values and were of opposite direction, which presupposes obligatory combination of EAP with the use of psychoactive drugs during preparation for surgery.