Cerebellar direct current stimulation modulates pain perception and its neural correlates in humans. Issue 3 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bocci, T.; Santarcangelo, E.; Vannini, B.; Barloscio, D.; Carli, G.; Ferrucci, R.; Priori, A.; Valeriani, M.; Sartucci, F.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 127:Issue 3(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: e23
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.11.065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The cerebellum is involved in a wide number of integrative functions, but its role in pain perception and nociceptive processing is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tcDCS) by studying the changes in perceptive threshold (PT), pain intensity (VAS) and laser evoked potentials (LEPs) variables. Methods: Fifteen subjects were studied before and after anodal, cathodal and sham tcDCS. LEPs were obtained using a Nd:YAP laser. VAS was evaluated by delivering laser pulses at two different intensities, respectively two and three times the PT. Results: Cathodal polarization dampened the PT and increased the VAS score, while the anodal one had opposite effects ( p < 0.001). Cathodal tcDCS increased significantly LEPs amplitudes and decreased their latencies, whereas anodal tcDCS elicited opposite effects ( p < 0.0005). Motor thresholds assessed through transcranial magnetic stimulation were not affected by cerebellar stimulation. Conclusions: tcDCS modulates pain perception and its cortical correlates. As it is effective on N1 and N2/P2 components, we speculate that the cerebellum modulates the activity of both somatosensory and cingulate cortices, thus interfering with the sensory-discriminative and emotional dimensions of pain. Key message: Present findings prompt investigation of the tsDCS as a novel, safe therapeutic tool in chronic pain patients.