Intensity-dependent modulation of cortical somatosensory processing during external, low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation in humans

Abstract

Somatosensory-evoked potentials during low-frequency stimulation of peripheral nerves were examined at graded stimulus intensities. Low-frequency stimulation was associated with decreased responsiveness in the midcingulate cortex and increased responsiveness in primary sensorimotor cortex. Greater intensities were associated with increased midcingulate cortex θ band-power and decreased sensorimotor cortex α band-power. Results further previous evidence of an inhibition of somatosensory processing during and after low-frequency stimulation and point toward a potential augmentation of activity in somatosensory processing regions.