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Giorgio Cruccu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Laser-evoked potentials: normative values
    CLIN NEUROPHYSIOL, 2005
    Co-Authors: Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Objective: Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) currently represent the most reliable and widely agreed method of investigating the A delta-fibre pathways. Many studies dealt with the usefulness of LEPs in peripheral and central nervous system diseases. We aimed at gaining normative values for LEP data.Methods: Using a CO2 laser stimulator we recorded LEPs after face, hand, and foot stimulation in 100 normal subjects. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of the main vertex components, and their side-to-side differences. We also studied the correlations between LEP data and age and body height, as well as gender differences.Results: Laser Perceptive Threshold increased and LEP amplitude decreased from face to foot (P < 0.0001). The latency of hand and foot-LEPs correlated significantly with body height (P < 0.0001). The amplitude, though not the latency, correlated with age (P < 0.0001). LEP data did not significantly differ between genders (P > 0.1).Conclusions: This study provides normative values for the main LEP data and their absolute and side-to-side limits, highlighting the physiological differences related to, body height, age, gender and stimulation site.Significance: Our data may help to improve the clinical reliability of LEPs as a diagnostic tool. (c) 2004 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • Laser-evoked potentials: normative values.
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, M. Virtuoso, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective : Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) currently represent the most reliable and widely agreed method of investigating the Aδ-fibre pathways. Many studies dealt with the usefulness of LEPs in peripheral and central nervous system diseases. We aimed at gaining normative values for LEP data. Methods : Using a CO 2 laser stimulator we recorded LEPs after face, hand, and foot stimulation in 100 normal subjects. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of the main vertex components, and their side-to-side differences. We also studied the correlations between LEP data and age and body height, as well as gender differences. Results : Laser Perceptive Threshold increased and LEP amplitude decreased from face to foot ( P P P P >0.1). Conclusions : This study provides normative values for the main LEP data and their absolute and side-to-side limits, highlighting the physiological differences related to, body height, age, gender and stimulation site. Significance : Our data may help to improve the clinical reliability of LEPs as a diagnostic tool.

  • Laser-evoked potentials: normative values
    'Elsevier BV', 2005
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, M. Virtuoso, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Objective: Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) currently represent the most reliable and widely agreed method of investigating the A delta-fibre pathways. Many studies dealt with the usefulness of LEPs in peripheral and central nervous system diseases. We aimed at gaining normative values for LEP data. Methods: Using a CO(2) laser stimulator we recorded LEPs after face, hand, and foot stimulation in 100 normal subjects. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of the main vertex components, and their side-to-side differences. We also studied the correlations between LEP data and age and body height, as well as gender differences. Results: Laser Perceptive Threshold increased and LEP amplitude decreased from face to foot (P 0.1). Conclusions: This study provides normative values for the main LEP data and their absolute and side-to-side limits, highlighting the physiological differences related to, body height, age, gender and stimulation site. Significance: Our data may help to improve the clinical reliability of LEPs as a diagnostic tool. (c) 2004 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

  • Laser-evoked potentials in post-herpetic neuralgia.
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, Gian Domenico Iannetti, R. Zucchi, Maija Haanpää, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective : We evaluated the reliability of laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) as a diagnostic tool in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), i.e. a chronic painful condition that causes small-diameter fibre dysfunction. Furthermore, we sought information on pathophysiology of PHN pain. Methods : We recorded ‘late’ LEPs after stimulation of the supraorbital, upper cervical, lower cervical, upper thoracic, mid thoracic, and lower thoracic territories in 12 control subjects and 40 patients with PHN. We also determined the correlation of LEP data with age, duration of disease, and severity and quality of pain. Results : At all stimulation sites, laser pulses invariably evoked high-amplitude brain potentials related to small-myelinated (A-delta) fibre activation. The laser Perceptive Threshold and LEP latency correlated with the distance of the dermatome from the brain ( P P Conclusions : Being sensitive and reliable in assessing sensory function also in proximal dermatomes, LEPs are a promising diagnostic tool in radiculopathies. Although PHN severely impairs small myelinated fibres, the lack of a significant correlation between LEP abnormalities and pain suggests that pain in PHN does not chiefly arise from a dysfunction of small-myelinated afferents.

  • Laser-evoked potentials in postherpetic neuralgia
    Neurological Sciences, 2000
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Antonietta Romaniello, R. Zucchi, P. Innocenti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Objective: We evaluated the reliability of laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) as a diagnostic tool in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), i.e. a chronic painful condition that causes small-diameter fibre dysfunction. Furthermore, we sought information on pathophysiology of PHN pain. Methods: We recorded ‘late’ LEPs after stimulation of the supraorbital, upper cervical, lower cervical, upper thoracic, mid thoracic, and lower thoracic territories in 12 control subjects and 40 patients with PHN. We also determined the correlation of LEP data with age, duration of disease, and severity and quality of pain. Results: At all stimulation sites, laser pulses invariably evoked high-amplitude brain potentials related to small-myelinated (A-delta) fibre activation. The laser Perceptive Threshold and LEP latency correlated with the distance of the dermatome from the brain (P , 0:001). In patients, the Perceptive Threshold was higher and the LEP amplitude was lower in the affected dermatome than on the contralateral side (P , 0:001). We found no significant LEP-clinical correlation except for a correlation between LEP abnormality and age. Conclusions: Being sensitive and reliable in assessing sensory function also in proximal dermatomes, LEPs are a promising diagnostic tool in radiculopathies. Although PHN severely impairs small myelinated fibres, the lack of a significant correlation between LEP abnormalities and pain suggests that pain in PHN does not chiefly arise from a dysfunction of small-myelinated afferents. q 2003 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tommaso Bocci - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • 79. Laser-evoked potentials in non-organic origin pain
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: L. Parenti, D. Barloscio, Massimiliano Valeriani, M. Bartolotta, F. Sartucci, Tommaso Bocci
    Abstract:

    Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) represent the most reliable method to diagnose and follow over time painful small fiber neuropathies. Here, we investigated LEPs in patients with pain of non-organic origin. LEPs were recorded with a Nd:Yag Laser in 4 subjects with pain of non-organic origin, stimulating the dorsum of the hand and the dorsum of the foot bilaterally. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of N1 wave and N2/P2 complex within the painful territory and at contralateral site. We then compared these responses with those obtained in five sex- and age-matched healthy volunterees. We observed a significant increase in amplitude of N1 (p = 0.023) and N2/P2 (p = 0.015) responses in the painful territory compared both with contralateral side and healthy subjects. In patients, an additional positive wave at about 300 ms was detected only when the painfulside was stimulated; this response became more pronounced during stimulus expectation. Our data suggest that increased laser responses characterize subjects with pain of non-organic origin and likely reflect a strong emotional component in the nociceptive experience; the P3 component is probably related to cognitive modulation and anticipation phenomena, thus suggesting a functional (psychogenic) origin of the pain.

  • O208 Evidence by direct current stimulation (tDCS) of cerebellum involvement in pain perception and modulation in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, Roberta Ferrucci, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Objective cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions; its role in pain processing has been scarcely investigated. We tried to clarify this aspect using transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) and studying changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) responses (N1 and N2/P2). Materials and methods Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser; signals were amplified, band pass filtered. The left hand dorsum was stimulated by laser pulses with short duration (5 ms) and small diameter spots (5 mm). VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the pain Threshold (PT). Results Cathodal polarization dampened the PT and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p p Discussion tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components and these responses are generated by parallel and partially segregated spinal pathways reaching different cortical targets, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, interfering with the sensory-discriminative as well as emotional dimensions of pain. Conclusions Present findings prove Cerebellum involvement in pain processing and prompt further investigations on tcDCS employments as novel therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients.

  • P190 Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, Roberta Ferrucci, Maurizio Vergari, Francesca Cortese, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Question The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables (amplitude and latency of both N1 and N2/P2 responses). Methods Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser (wavelength 1.04 μm, pulse 164 duration 2–20 ms, maximum energy 7 J). The laser beam was transmitted from the generator to the stimulating probe via a 10 m length optical fibre; signals were then amplified, band pass filtered (0.1–200 Hz, time analysis 1000 ms). The dorsum of the left hand was stimulated by laser pulses (individual variability: 3.89–15.75 J/cm2) with short duration (5 ms) and small diameter spots (5 mm). VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Results Cathodal polarization dampened the PT and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects. Conclusions TcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components and these responses are generated by parallel and partially segregated spinal pathways reaching different cortical targets, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and emotional dimensions of pain. Present findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel, safe therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients. Figure options Download full-size image Download high-quality image (428 K) Download as PowerPoint slide

  • 74. Cerebellum and pain: A transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) study
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, M. Hesgens, A. Di Rollo, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain experience is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in the Perceptive Threshold, pain intensity (VAS:0-10) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables. Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser and recorded from the dorsum of the left hand. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at different intensities, respectively two and three times the Perceptive Threshold. Cathodal polarization dampened significantly the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p p

  • Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception and its neural correlates in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, D. Barloscio, Massimiliano Valeriani, Beatrice Vannini, Roberta Ferrucci, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs). Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Cathodal polarization dampened the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while anodal one had opposite effects (p tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and affective-emotional dimensions of pain. Our findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel and safe therapeutic tool in pain syndromes.

F. Sartucci - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • 74. Cerebellum and pain: A transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) study
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, M. Hesgens, A. Di Rollo, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain experience is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in the Perceptive Threshold, pain intensity (VAS:0-10) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables. Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser and recorded from the dorsum of the left hand. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at different intensities, respectively two and three times the Perceptive Threshold. Cathodal polarization dampened significantly the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p p

  • Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception and its neural correlates in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, D. Barloscio, Massimiliano Valeriani, Beatrice Vannini, Roberta Ferrucci, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs). Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Cathodal polarization dampened the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while anodal one had opposite effects (p tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and affective-emotional dimensions of pain. Our findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel and safe therapeutic tool in pain syndromes.

  • Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception in humans.
    Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 2015
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, Massimiliano Valeriani, Beatrice Vannini, Antonio Torzini, Roberta Ferrucci, Alberto Priori, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Purpose The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain experience and in the nociceptive information processing is poorly understood. In healthy volunteers we evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in the Perceptive Threshold, pain intensity at given stimulation intensities (VAS:0-10) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables (N1 and N2/P2 amplitudes and latencies). Methods Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-perovskite (Nd:YAP) laser and recorded from the dorsum of the left hand. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the Perceptive Threshold. Results Cathodal polarization dampened significantly the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects. Cathodal tcDCS increased significantly the N1 and N2/P2 amplitudes and decreased their latencies, whereas anodal tcDCS elicited opposite effects. Motor Thresholds assessed through transcranial magnetic stimulation were not affected by cerebellar stimulation. Conclusions tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. Since it is effective on both N1 and N2/P2 components, we speculate that the cerebellum engagement in pain processing modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices. Present findings prompt investigation of the cerebellar direct current polarization as a possible novel and safe therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients.

  • 68. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation modulates pain perception in humans: A laser evoked potentials (LEPS) study
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Beatrice Vannini, Antonio Torzini, Roberta Ferrucci, Elisa Giorli, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, most of them unknown. Particularly, its role in pain processing has only poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS) on pain perception by assessing changes in laser evoked potentials (LEPs) parameters (Perceptive Threshold, N1–N2/P2 amplitudes and latencies) by stimulating the left hand. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy subjects were enrolled and studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tDCS (20’, 2.0 mA). LEPs were obtained using a neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–perovskite (Nd:YAP) laser. While cathodal c-tDCS improves amplitudes (N1: F(2,66) = 23.3, p

Andrea Truini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Laser-evoked potentials: normative values.
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, M. Virtuoso, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective : Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) currently represent the most reliable and widely agreed method of investigating the Aδ-fibre pathways. Many studies dealt with the usefulness of LEPs in peripheral and central nervous system diseases. We aimed at gaining normative values for LEP data. Methods : Using a CO 2 laser stimulator we recorded LEPs after face, hand, and foot stimulation in 100 normal subjects. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of the main vertex components, and their side-to-side differences. We also studied the correlations between LEP data and age and body height, as well as gender differences. Results : Laser Perceptive Threshold increased and LEP amplitude decreased from face to foot ( P P P P >0.1). Conclusions : This study provides normative values for the main LEP data and their absolute and side-to-side limits, highlighting the physiological differences related to, body height, age, gender and stimulation site. Significance : Our data may help to improve the clinical reliability of LEPs as a diagnostic tool.

  • Laser-evoked potentials: normative values
    'Elsevier BV', 2005
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, M. Virtuoso, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Objective: Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) currently represent the most reliable and widely agreed method of investigating the A delta-fibre pathways. Many studies dealt with the usefulness of LEPs in peripheral and central nervous system diseases. We aimed at gaining normative values for LEP data. Methods: Using a CO(2) laser stimulator we recorded LEPs after face, hand, and foot stimulation in 100 normal subjects. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of the main vertex components, and their side-to-side differences. We also studied the correlations between LEP data and age and body height, as well as gender differences. Results: Laser Perceptive Threshold increased and LEP amplitude decreased from face to foot (P 0.1). Conclusions: This study provides normative values for the main LEP data and their absolute and side-to-side limits, highlighting the physiological differences related to, body height, age, gender and stimulation site. Significance: Our data may help to improve the clinical reliability of LEPs as a diagnostic tool. (c) 2004 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

  • Laser-evoked potentials in post-herpetic neuralgia.
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, F. Galeotti, A. Romaniello, Gian Domenico Iannetti, R. Zucchi, Maija Haanpää, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective : We evaluated the reliability of laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) as a diagnostic tool in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), i.e. a chronic painful condition that causes small-diameter fibre dysfunction. Furthermore, we sought information on pathophysiology of PHN pain. Methods : We recorded ‘late’ LEPs after stimulation of the supraorbital, upper cervical, lower cervical, upper thoracic, mid thoracic, and lower thoracic territories in 12 control subjects and 40 patients with PHN. We also determined the correlation of LEP data with age, duration of disease, and severity and quality of pain. Results : At all stimulation sites, laser pulses invariably evoked high-amplitude brain potentials related to small-myelinated (A-delta) fibre activation. The laser Perceptive Threshold and LEP latency correlated with the distance of the dermatome from the brain ( P P Conclusions : Being sensitive and reliable in assessing sensory function also in proximal dermatomes, LEPs are a promising diagnostic tool in radiculopathies. Although PHN severely impairs small myelinated fibres, the lack of a significant correlation between LEP abnormalities and pain suggests that pain in PHN does not chiefly arise from a dysfunction of small-myelinated afferents.

  • Laser-evoked potentials in postherpetic neuralgia
    Neurological Sciences, 2000
    Co-Authors: Andrea Truini, Gian Domenico Iannetti, Antonietta Romaniello, R. Zucchi, P. Innocenti, Giorgio Cruccu
    Abstract:

    Objective: We evaluated the reliability of laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) as a diagnostic tool in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), i.e. a chronic painful condition that causes small-diameter fibre dysfunction. Furthermore, we sought information on pathophysiology of PHN pain. Methods: We recorded ‘late’ LEPs after stimulation of the supraorbital, upper cervical, lower cervical, upper thoracic, mid thoracic, and lower thoracic territories in 12 control subjects and 40 patients with PHN. We also determined the correlation of LEP data with age, duration of disease, and severity and quality of pain. Results: At all stimulation sites, laser pulses invariably evoked high-amplitude brain potentials related to small-myelinated (A-delta) fibre activation. The laser Perceptive Threshold and LEP latency correlated with the distance of the dermatome from the brain (P , 0:001). In patients, the Perceptive Threshold was higher and the LEP amplitude was lower in the affected dermatome than on the contralateral side (P , 0:001). We found no significant LEP-clinical correlation except for a correlation between LEP abnormality and age. Conclusions: Being sensitive and reliable in assessing sensory function also in proximal dermatomes, LEPs are a promising diagnostic tool in radiculopathies. Although PHN severely impairs small myelinated fibres, the lack of a significant correlation between LEP abnormalities and pain suggests that pain in PHN does not chiefly arise from a dysfunction of small-myelinated afferents. q 2003 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Massimiliano Valeriani - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • 79. Laser-evoked potentials in non-organic origin pain
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: L. Parenti, D. Barloscio, Massimiliano Valeriani, M. Bartolotta, F. Sartucci, Tommaso Bocci
    Abstract:

    Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) represent the most reliable method to diagnose and follow over time painful small fiber neuropathies. Here, we investigated LEPs in patients with pain of non-organic origin. LEPs were recorded with a Nd:Yag Laser in 4 subjects with pain of non-organic origin, stimulating the dorsum of the hand and the dorsum of the foot bilaterally. We measured the Perceptive Threshold, latency and amplitude of N1 wave and N2/P2 complex within the painful territory and at contralateral site. We then compared these responses with those obtained in five sex- and age-matched healthy volunterees. We observed a significant increase in amplitude of N1 (p = 0.023) and N2/P2 (p = 0.015) responses in the painful territory compared both with contralateral side and healthy subjects. In patients, an additional positive wave at about 300 ms was detected only when the painfulside was stimulated; this response became more pronounced during stimulus expectation. Our data suggest that increased laser responses characterize subjects with pain of non-organic origin and likely reflect a strong emotional component in the nociceptive experience; the P3 component is probably related to cognitive modulation and anticipation phenomena, thus suggesting a functional (psychogenic) origin of the pain.

  • O208 Evidence by direct current stimulation (tDCS) of cerebellum involvement in pain perception and modulation in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, Roberta Ferrucci, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Objective cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions; its role in pain processing has been scarcely investigated. We tried to clarify this aspect using transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) and studying changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) responses (N1 and N2/P2). Materials and methods Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser; signals were amplified, band pass filtered. The left hand dorsum was stimulated by laser pulses with short duration (5 ms) and small diameter spots (5 mm). VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the pain Threshold (PT). Results Cathodal polarization dampened the PT and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p p Discussion tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components and these responses are generated by parallel and partially segregated spinal pathways reaching different cortical targets, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, interfering with the sensory-discriminative as well as emotional dimensions of pain. Conclusions Present findings prove Cerebellum involvement in pain processing and prompt further investigations on tcDCS employments as novel therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients.

  • P190 Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, Roberta Ferrucci, Maurizio Vergari, Francesca Cortese, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    Question The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables (amplitude and latency of both N1 and N2/P2 responses). Methods Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser (wavelength 1.04 μm, pulse 164 duration 2–20 ms, maximum energy 7 J). The laser beam was transmitted from the generator to the stimulating probe via a 10 m length optical fibre; signals were then amplified, band pass filtered (0.1–200 Hz, time analysis 1000 ms). The dorsum of the left hand was stimulated by laser pulses (individual variability: 3.89–15.75 J/cm2) with short duration (5 ms) and small diameter spots (5 mm). VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Results Cathodal polarization dampened the PT and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects. Conclusions TcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components and these responses are generated by parallel and partially segregated spinal pathways reaching different cortical targets, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and emotional dimensions of pain. Present findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel, safe therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients. Figure options Download full-size image Download high-quality image (428 K) Download as PowerPoint slide

  • 74. Cerebellum and pain: A transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) study
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, M. Hesgens, A. Di Rollo, D. Barloscio, L. Parenti, Massimiliano Valeriani, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain experience is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in the Perceptive Threshold, pain intensity (VAS:0-10) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables. Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser and recorded from the dorsum of the left hand. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at different intensities, respectively two and three times the Perceptive Threshold. Cathodal polarization dampened significantly the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p p

  • Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception and its neural correlates in humans
    Clinical Neurophysiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tommaso Bocci, Giancarlo Carli, Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, D. Barloscio, Massimiliano Valeriani, Beatrice Vannini, Roberta Ferrucci, F. Sartucci
    Abstract:

    The cerebellum is involved in a number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying changes in Perceptive Threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs). Twenty-five subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Cathodal polarization dampened the Perceptive Threshold and increased the VAS score, while anodal one had opposite effects (p tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and affective-emotional dimensions of pain. Our findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel and safe therapeutic tool in pain syndromes.