Modulation of pain signal processing by electric acupoint stimulation: an electroencephalogram study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the analgesia-related modulation of electroencephalographic activities by transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (EAS).


METHODS
In 15 healthy human beings, 64-channel electroencephalogram was recorded and power spectrum analysis was employed before, during and after EAS. Non-acupoint electric stimulation was used as control. All subjects were asked to rate their sensation to painful stimulations before and after treatment.


RESULTS
The relative theta power near contra-lateral centro-parietal area during EAS was negatively correlated with the pain score after EAS. Similarly, the beta activity during EAS near contra-lateral prefrontal cortex, ipsi-lateral inferior frontal and temporal lobe, and ipsi-lateral occipito-parietal cortex, were all negatively correlated with pain score after EAS.


CONCLUSIONS
These changes might reflect a modulation of brain activity by EAS in specific areas, which were in turn involved in modulation of certain aspects of pain-signal processing.
Zhang
Weiting
W
Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Luo
Fei
F
Qi
Yingwei
Y
Wang
Ying
Y
Chang
Jingyu
J
Woodward
Donald J
DJ
Chen
Andrew C
AC
Han
Jisheng
J
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*