Electrocutaneous Nerve Stimulation-II: Stimulus Waveform Selection

Abstract

The large number of investigations involving the use of electrocutaneous nerve stimulation as a surrogate sensory channel, and for relíef of acute and chronic pain, have raised questions about the effect of the stimulus parameters on both nerve excitation and passive tissue heating. The short and long term influence of the stimulus parameters upon nerve stimulation has formerly been described on the basis of clinical studies. The approach taken here was to examine the effects of stimulus parameters using models. For myelinated nerve the Frankenhaeuser-Huxley model of Xenopus Laevis was used. The influence of the stimulus parameters on tissue heating was evaluated by the use of a passive model described in the literature. Consideration of electrolytic effects led to the selection of a stimulus with zero net charge flow. The desire for a stimulus that was independent of skin resistance resulted in the investigation of biphasic current waveforms.