Modulation of cortical activity by selective steady-state somatosensory stimulation

Phantom limb pain (PLP) represents a major debilitating condition for amputees. No effective therapy has been reported. Non-painful surface electrical stimulation may induce temporary significant alleviation of PLP. Preliminary results of a study attempting to design a methodology for delivery and evaluation of possible quantifiable effects at the cortical level of steady-state surface stimulation are presented for two healthy subjects. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were evaluated before and after delivery of a steady-state stimulus applied at wrist along the median nerve. Characterization of evoked sensation induced in hand by the steady-state stimuli was performed. The sensory input artificially generated by the steady-state stimuli influenced cortical activation reflected in changes in N1 and P2 components of SEP. N1 suppression and changes in P2 amplitude after steady state stimulation between 1 to 7 minutes were observed. Analysis of changes in SEP components in a larger population may contribute to defining markers of temporary cortical plastic changes driven by steady-state stimuli possibly assessing the efficacy of these stimuli when attempting to reverse cortical plastic changes following amputation and relief of PLP upon specific delivery through surface electrical stimulation in the periphery.