Evaluating Slow Electrical Stimulation of Skin Nerves in Adults With Neuropathic or Chronic Postoperative Pain to Understand Pain Mechanisms and Effects of Lidocaine Patch

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying voltage gated sodium channel NaV1.7 related pain in people with neuropathic pain and chronic postoperative pain. The goal is to better understand how these channels affect pain responses, especially in unmyelinated skin nerve fibers. This research focuses on characterizing pain in these conditions and how it relates to NaV1.7 channel activity. The study uses slow, sinus-like electrical skin stimulation to activate certain nerve fibers that may cause pain at low intensities in affected patients. Pain in chronic postoperative scars will also be examined using laser-evoked potentials LEP and a range of quantitative sensory tests QST. Participants complete pain-related questionnaires to provide additional information about their pain experiences. Participants will undergo various assessments including pain intensity measurements during electrical stimulation, baseline sensory thresholds for heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli, and nerve response evaluations. Psychological aspects such as anxiety and depression are also measured. This observational study monitors changes over time without administering treatments. The total study period and participant involvement details are based on scheduled assessments and sensory testing.

Depolarising Electrical Skin Stimulation in Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain