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Radiofrequency evoked potentials: A new window into the nociceptive system
Christian Ariel Mista1, Elizabeth Loreley Young1, Silvio Jorge Laugero2
1Institute for Research and Development on Bioengineering and Bioinformatics (IBB), CONICET-UNER, Oro Verde, Argentina; Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Neuromuscular and Sensory Research (CIRINS), National University of Entre Ríos (UNER), Oro Verde, Argentina.
Objective:
To describe the cortical evoked potentials in response to radiofrequency stimulation (RFEPs) in human volunteers.
Methods:
Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in an experimental session in which radiofrequency (RF) and electrical (ES) stimulation were applied to the dorsum of the hands and feet. EEG was recorded to evaluate evoked responses for each stimulus modality and stimulation site.
Results:
Electrophysiological results showed highly synchronous responses compatible with activation of heat-sensitive nociceptors. Latencies of the N2 and P2 peaks in the RFEPs were longer compared to EPs evoked by ES. Furthermore, the latency of the P2 peak was also longer after stimulation of the feet compared to the hand.
Conclusions:
RF stimulation is capable of selective activation of nociceptive fibres by means of rapid skin heating. RFEPs showed the highest degree of synchronicity achieved to date for evoked cortical responses to thermal stimulation.
Significance:
RF stimulation represents a viable alternative in the experimental and clinical assessment of the nociceptive system.
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