Electric sympathetic block: current theoretical concepts and clinical results

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Schwartz, Robert G.^*;

Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 864 2351834; fax: + 1 864 2352486.

Abstract: The use of electricity for the treatment of pain has become increasingly popular as more potent devices that are clinically usable have become available. The basic medical and physical sciences required to use electricity for transdermally obtained sympathetic neuron blockade in patients with complex regional pain syndromes will be reviewed. Reported outcomes employing different parameters will be presented, with progression to the use of high intensity (115 mA), high voltage (50 V) 20 kHz carrier frequencies. Methods of application to optimize outcome and current theory concerning the mechanisms of action responsible for long-term effects will also be discussed. As the potency of the electrical modality is increased, results comparable to pharmaceutically-induced blockade can be achieved.

Keywords: Electroceuticals, Electric sympathetic block, Pain

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-1998-10105

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 31-46, 1998