Mechanism of Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: More than the Gate Control Theory

摘要: The use of electricity for the treatment pain has been around since ancient times. It was not until second half 20th century with advent gate control theory that an explanation its effects put forward [1]. In time postulation this theory, there have several advances using animal models and neuromodulation are shedding more light into neurobiology electrical stimulation pain. work revealed mechanisms areas nervous system involved in than what would be predicted by theory. Higher brain centers activated when is applied to dorsal columns as spinal cord [2]. Likewise, SCS influences peripheral targets antidromic pulses traveling afferents [3]. These same can influence intrinsic process horn modulating release different neurotransmitters [4] (Figure 1). behind subcutaneous much less understood SCS. lack necessary study hindered understanding recently. A novel model SQS developed rodents proven mimic some aspects clinical practice. When compared a rodent transcutaneous nerve (TENS), presented differential TENS model, suggesting involvement mechanism action between these two therapies [5]. Future studies will concentrate investigating optimal parameters model.