Human microneurography and intraneural microstimulation in the study of neuropathic pain

Psychophysical experiments in combination with microneurography and intraneural microstimulation in awake human subjects have yielded some useful information on somatosensory functions under normal and pathologic conditions. Normally, pain is signaled by nociceptive afferents, and tactile sensations are evoked from activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Following tissue injury, nociceptors are sensitized, and their enhanced responsiveness correlates with hyperalgesia to heat and in some cases to mechanical stimuli. In addition, ongoing activity in sensitized nociceptive afferents may lead to central sensitization in such a way that normally nonpainful gentle stroking the skin evokes pain from activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors. This particular change in signal processing in the central nervous system is restored when the ongoing nociceptive input is interrupted, whereas other forms of central sensitization can outlast the duration of the nociceptive input.