Changes to somatosensory detection and pain thresholds following high frequency repetitive TMS of the motor cortex in individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) results in a transient reduction in the experience of chronic pain. The present research aimed to investigate whether a single session of high frequency TMS is able to change the sensory thresholds of individuals suffering from chronic pain. Detection and pain thresholds for cold and heat sensations were measured before and after 20Hz repetitive TMS (rTMS) administered over the motor cortex. A significant decrease in temperature for cold detection and pain thresholds and a significant increase in temperature for heat pain thresholds were evident following a single session of rTMS. In contrast, no change in detection and pain thresholds was obtained following sham rTMS. The finding that rTMS can have a direct effect on sensory thresholds in individuals suffering from chronic pain has implications for the therapeutic use of rTMS in the relief of chronic pain.
Johnson
Sama
S
School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia.
Summers
Jeff
J
Pridmore
Saxby
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000150:complications; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D014110:Touch; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics