Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2011
Location
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-9-2011 9:00 AM
End Date
4-9-2011 10:00 AM
Disciplines
Psychology
Abstract
Pulsed-radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF) is a pain management technique that involves placing a needle electrode near nerves and generating electrical current pulses in order to modulate the transduction of somatosensory information through those nerves. This technique evolved from a similar radiofrequency (RF) procedure in which constant current is distributed to a nerve or neural structure. RF interrupts nerve conduction and prevents somatosensory information from reaching the brain. In the case of continuous radiofrequency, however, the destructive lesion can cause further complications and unwanted side effects. According to research, PRF, unlike RF, is non-destructive yet still induces analgesia and consequently represents a more advantageous technique. Only a handful of previous studies have attempted to determine the neural effects of PRF. The current study seeks to develop an animal model of PRF using the spared nerve injury model and, through molecular analysis of neurological tissues harvested from rats, examines mechanisms by which PRF causes analgesia.
Included in
Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation of Peripheral Nerve Injury
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Pulsed-radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF) is a pain management technique that involves placing a needle electrode near nerves and generating electrical current pulses in order to modulate the transduction of somatosensory information through those nerves. This technique evolved from a similar radiofrequency (RF) procedure in which constant current is distributed to a nerve or neural structure. RF interrupts nerve conduction and prevents somatosensory information from reaching the brain. In the case of continuous radiofrequency, however, the destructive lesion can cause further complications and unwanted side effects. According to research, PRF, unlike RF, is non-destructive yet still induces analgesia and consequently represents a more advantageous technique. Only a handful of previous studies have attempted to determine the neural effects of PRF. The current study seeks to develop an animal model of PRF using the spared nerve injury model and, through molecular analysis of neurological tissues harvested from rats, examines mechanisms by which PRF causes analgesia.