Conditioned Pain Modulation affects the N2/P2 complex but not the N1 wave: a pilot study with Laser ‐Evoked Potentials

ConclusionsOur results indicate that CPM affects only the medial pain system. The spinothalamic tract (STT) transmits to both the LT and the MT, while the spinoreticulothalamic (SRT) projects only to the MT. The reduction in the amplitude of the N2/P2 complex and the absence of change in the N1 wave suggest that DNIC inhibition on the dorsal horn neurons affects only pain transmission via the SRT, while the neurons that give rise to the STT are not involved. The N1 wave can be a reliable neurophysiological parameter for assessment of STT function in clinical practice, as it does not seem to be influenced by CPM.

Source: European Journal of Pain - November 10, 2020 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: G Squintani, A Rasera, A Segatti, E Concon, B Bonetti, M Valeriani, M Tinazzi Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research