Cortical Neurophysiological Modification after Peripheral Neuronal Sensitization

  • Kawamura Hirobumi
    School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Social Work, Kanagawa University of Human Services Graduate School of Medicine, Kochi University
  • Ushida Takahiro
    Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University
  • Yamamoto Hiroshi
    Department of Orthopaedics, Kochi Medical School
  • Ito Katsuhide
    Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University
  • Imaizumi Satoshi
    Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Prefectural University of Hiroshima
  • Hashizume Akira
    Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University
  • Tani Toshikazu
    Department of Orthopaedics, Kochi Medical School

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Abstract

[Purpose] It is known that peripheral noxious events provoke sensitization of the peripheral and spinal nervous systems and influence neural transmissions to the brain. In this study, we aimed to examine how brain activation is affected when provoked by electrical stimulation and by prior sensitization with peripheral application of a painful agent (capsaicin). [Subjects] Six normal adult volunteers were enrolled in this study. [Methods] Pain intensity of participants was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Utilizing magnetoencephalography (MEG), changes in the brain's areas and levels of activation were observed by measuring magnetic field alterations. [Results] Locations of equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) changed depending on changes of VAS. The moment (Q) value of the ECDs before the capsaicin cream application was 12.2 ± 6.5 nAm. After applying the capsaicin cream to the left forearm, the Q value increased. The present results suggest that an underlying hyper-responsive condition (neural sensitization) provoked by peripheral capsaicin may cause such changes. Importantly, this study revealed that cortical responses altered in the absence of participant perception of altered pain sensation. [Conclusions] Our findings suggest that alteration of cortical activity may occur when therapeutic electrical stimulations are used after prior pain sensitization.<br>

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