[Contact heat evoked potentials for the evaluation of pain pathways]

Nervenarzt. 2008 Aug;79(8):899, 902-7. doi: 10.1007/s00115-008-2465-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Pain evoked potentials offer a possibility for the evaluation of nociceptive pathways. Contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPS) represent a novel technique allowing to investigate peripheral pain pathways represented by small-diameter nerve fibers (A-delta and C fibers) and to study the spinothalamic tract. In contrast to more time-consuming methods such as quantitative sensory testing, CHEPS enables an objective investigation of pain pathways. This article reviews and discusses the technique, possible indications, and pitfalls in the context of clinical cases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiopathology*
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory*
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Humans
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Pain Measurement / methods*