The Effects of Saline and Ketamine on Spinal Cord Stimulation
Major
Neuroscience
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Neuroscience
Faculty Advisor
Joe Williams
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:45 AM
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 potential (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. The present study is 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. Another issue is that some patients are self-medicating or prescribed other prescription medications, which impacts the accuracy of the baseline recording. The present study aims to analyze the role pharmaceutical agents play in impacting the ECAP recordings during SCS. The study implanted adult rats with recording and stimulating electrodes and injected either saline or ketamine on day four of post-implant. We are anticipating that these investigated pharmaceuticals may alter ECAP characteristics such as amplitude, latency, or morphology during the development of chronic pain.
The Effects of Saline and Ketamine 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 potential (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. The present study is 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. Another issue is that some patients are self-medicating or prescribed other prescription medications, which impacts the accuracy of the baseline recording. The present study aims to analyze the role pharmaceutical agents play in impacting the ECAP recordings during SCS. The study implanted adult rats with recording and stimulating electrodes and injected either saline or ketamine on day four of post-implant. We are anticipating that these investigated pharmaceuticals may alter ECAP characteristics such as amplitude, latency, or morphology during the development of chronic pain.