Neuroselective transcutaneous electric stimulation reveals body area–specific differences in itch perception - 09/08/11
Reprint requests: Setsuya Aiba, MD, PhD, Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.Sendai and Osaka, Japan
Abstract |
Background |
Electrically evoked itch has been reported, although the electrodes, the frequency, and the pulse duration used were not standardized.
Objective |
To examine whether a neuroselective transcutaneous electrical stimulator (NTES; Neurometer; Neurotron, Inc, Baltimore, Md) can evoke itch and whether it can provoke itch on any body area.
Methods |
Twelve healthy subjects were stimulated on 30 body sites by 5 Hz alternating current produced by the NTES. We classified the evoked perceptions into two sensations (with and without itch) and divided the examined sites into 7 groups: G1, head and neck; G2, arm; G3, palm; G4, the dorsal surface of the hand; G5, knee and leg; G6, dorsal foot; and G7, ankle. The data were then statistically analyzed.
Results |
The NTES preferentially evoked itch at the G4 and G7 sites, and a sensation without itch at the G1 site.
Limitation |
Tests were performed on limited body areas.
Conclusion |
The NTES can provoke itch, it was discovered that there are body area–specific differences in itch sensation.
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| Supported in part by the 21st Century Center of Excellence Program at Tohoku University. Conflicts of interest: None identified. |
Vol 55 - N° 6
P. 996-1002 - décembre 2006 Retour au numéro
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