On the Effect of Electrical Stimulation of the Dorsal Column System on Sensory Thresholds in Patients with Chronic Pain

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of electrical stimulation of the dorsal column system on sensory thresholds in patients with chronic pain. Patients who had dorsal column electrodes implanted for the relief of chronic pain are examined for the influence of dorsal column stimulation on the spontaneous pain and on the thresholds for touch, vibration, and cutaneous pain induced by pinching. In these patients, stimulation of the dorsal columns resulted in an almost instantaneous abolition of spontaneous pain. The relief of pain outlasted the period of stimulation by several hours. The normal threshold for induced cutaneous pain is not significantly changed either during or after dorsal column stimulation. The thresholds for tactile and vibratory sensations are increased during dorsal column stimulation, the increase being correlated to the intensity of the stimulation. There is a post-stimulatory effect lasting up to 20 minutes. Different mechanisms may account for the effect of dorsal column stimulation on the spontaneous pain and on the sensory thresholds is indicated.