engleski

Influence of Frequency, Electrode Size and Stimulation Site on Oral Mucosal Current Perception Threshold

Abstract: The use of different stimulation modalities in orofacial pain research has provided methods for evaluation of nerve functions. The aim of this investigation was to establish the oral mucosal sensibility pattern to sinusoidal constant current stimulation. The influence on sensory thresholds to constant current stimulation on tongue tip and buccal mucosa with respect to different frequencies (20 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz and 5 kHz), and to stimulatory electrode size and neutral electrode position was investigated in thirty healthy volunteers. Mean current intensities that reached the sensory threshold ranged from 0.06 mA to 4.46 mA. Regional differences in sensory thresholds were observed, indicating substantial regional variation in sensitivity of the human oral mucosa. Significant differences in thresholds between the five frequencies were found on both stimulation sites ; significantly higher thresholds were observed when larger-diameter active electrode was used ; no significant differences between thresholds existed if neutral electrodes were positioned on either forearm or on facial skin. Sinusoid constant current stimulation is an appropriate method for investigating sensory differences in human oral mucosa and may be used for the investigation of origin and genesis of various orofacial pain syndromes, such as the "burning mouth syndrome".

burning mouth syndrome; electrical stimulation; mucosal current perception thresholds; electrode size & frequency influence

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