EEG and laser stimulation as tools for pain research.
Laser heat stimulators selectively activate Adelta and C-nociceptors in the superficial layers of the skin. Their high power output produces steep heating ramps, which improve synchronization of afferent volleys and therefore allow the recording of time-locked events, such as laser-evoked brain potentials. Study of the electrical brain activity evoked by Adelta- and C-nociceptor afferent volleys revealed the existence of an extensive, sequentially activated, cortical network. These electrophysiological responses are modulated by stimulus-driven and, even more extensively, top-down processes. The specificity and validity of these components for pain research are currently under intense scrutiny.
Plaghki
Léon
L
Unité de Réadaptation et Médecine Physique (READ), Université Catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium. plaghki@read.ucl.ac.be
Mouraux
André
A
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D011930:Reaction Time