Models for Nociception Stimulation and Memory Effects in Awake and Aware Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Objective: This paper introduces a primer in the health care practice, namely a mathematical model and methodology for detecting and analysing nociceptor stimulation followed by related tissue memory effects. Methods: Noninvasive nociceptor stimulus protocol and prototype device for measuring bioimpedance is provided. Various time instants, sensor location, and stimulus train have been analysed. Results: The method and model indicate that nociceptor stimulation perceived as pain in awake healthy volunteers is noninvasively detected. The existence of a memory effect is proven from data. Sensor location had minimal effect on detection level, while day-to-day variability was observed without being significant. Conclusion: Following the experimental study, the model enables a comprehensive management of chronic pain patients, and possibly other analgesia, or pain related regulatory loops. Significance: A device and methodology for noninvasive for detecting nociception stimulation have been developed. The proposed method and models have been validated on healthy volunteers.