Abstract
Commonly used methods of measuring threshold for pain sensation and pain tolerance by various types of electrical stimulation were evaluated, and the inherent defects and inaccuracies involved in the techniques presently used were discussed. By using a simplified electrical equivalent circuit, consisting of electrical stimulator, electrode system (including the effects of the presence or absence of electro-conductive jelly or fluid), epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue, interrelationships among these parameters and a more reliable and accurate method of estimating the threshold potential of tingling sensation, pain sensation, and pain tolerance measurement was presented. Based on this more quantitative approach, which emphasizes measurement of the voltage actually delivered to the body tissue, the author suggested reevaluation of the study of pain threshold and pain tolerance in previous literature, because of their inherent inaccuracies in measurement. The study indicated that the electrical threshold stimulation for the induction of the tingling sensation (which appeared to be indirectly related to the magnitude of the pain threshold) is the most reliable reproducible factor, compared with the measurement of the pain threshold or pain tolerance. The author suggested further study in the interrelationship of the threshold stimulations for tingling sensation, pain sensation, and pain tolerance.
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