Radiofrequency evoked potentials: A new window into the nociceptive system

ObjectiveTo describe the cortical evoked potentials in response to radiofrequency stimulation (RFEPs) in human volunteers.MethodsSeventeen 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.ResultsElectrophysiological 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.ConclusionsRF 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.SignificanceRF stimulation represents a viable alternative in the experimental and clinical assessment of the nociceptive system. Fil: Mista, Christian Ariel. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Bioingeniería y Bioinformática - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Bioingeniería y Bioinformática; Argentina Fil: Young, Elizabeth Loreley. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Bioingeniería y Bioinformática - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Bioingeniería y Bioinformática; Argentina