The Effects of Buprenorphine, Ketamine, And Gabapentin On Spinal Cord Stimulation
Major
Neuroscience
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Neuroscience
Faculty Advisor
Joe Williams
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-12-2025 11:15 AM
End Date
4-12-2025 12:15 PM
Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a popular surgical technique for pain management. It involves implanting an electrode, or a device, that delivers pulses into the spine which interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain (AANS, 2024). This is useful for those experiencing chronic pain in the back or those who don’t respond well to pharmaceutical treatments. SCS results in an electrophysiological signal called an evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs). Because ECAPs represent the electrical response to stimulation, this allows stimulation parameters such as frequency or intensity to be adjusted. One issue surrounding the use of SCS is that the electrode sometimes moves, which means that some patients may experience too much stimulation and others may not experience enough. Our laboratory is currently investigating the development of a closed loop system which will make real-time stimulation adjustments based on whether the ECAP is higher or lower than baseline levels. One issue is that some patients are taking other prescription medications which may impact the accuracy of the baseline recording. The present study aims to analyze the role pharmaceutical agents may play in impacting the recordings of spinal cord stimulation. The study implanted adult rats with electrodes and injected one of three possible pharmaceutical agents (buprenorphine, ketamine, gabapentin) on day four of post-implant. It was found that these investigated pharmaceuticals may alter ECAP characteristics such as amplitude, latency, or morphology during the development of chronic pain.
The Effects of Buprenorphine, Ketamine, And Gabapentin On Spinal Cord Stimulation
CNS Atrium
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a popular surgical technique for pain management. It involves implanting an electrode, or a device, that delivers pulses into the spine which interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain (AANS, 2024). This is useful for those experiencing chronic pain in the back or those who don’t respond well to pharmaceutical treatments. SCS results in an electrophysiological signal called an evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs). Because ECAPs represent the electrical response to stimulation, this allows stimulation parameters such as frequency or intensity to be adjusted. One issue surrounding the use of SCS is that the electrode sometimes moves, which means that some patients may experience too much stimulation and others may not experience enough. Our laboratory is currently investigating the development of a closed loop system which will make real-time stimulation adjustments based on whether the ECAP is higher or lower than baseline levels. One issue is that some patients are taking other prescription medications which may impact the accuracy of the baseline recording. The present study aims to analyze the role pharmaceutical agents may play in impacting the recordings of spinal cord stimulation. The study implanted adult rats with electrodes and injected one of three possible pharmaceutical agents (buprenorphine, ketamine, gabapentin) on day four of post-implant. It was found that these investigated pharmaceuticals may alter ECAP characteristics such as amplitude, latency, or morphology during the development of chronic pain.