The study investigates the capabilities of peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) as a tool for creating somatosensory sensations of various submodalities and analyzing the dynamics of bioelectric signals of the brain (using encephalography (EEG)) in healthy participants and participants with upper limb amputations. During the experiment, the participants' subjective sensations and EEG activity are recorded in response to magnetic pulses of varying intensity. In addition, the continuous PMS stimulation protocol and its effect on phantom sensations in participants with amputations will be tested for subsequent implementation in clinical practice.
Availability of signed written informed consent.
Absence of somatic and psychiatric diseases (more details in the
Ability and willingness to comply with the requirements of this protocol. Inclusion Criteria
History of epilepsy (participant, participant's close relatives)
Presence of metal or/and electric stimulators and/or implants in participant's body
Presence of psychiatric disorders (including a history of), severe depression, suicidal tendencies, or a history of suicide attempts.
Single group
Procedure: Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS)
DevicePMS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique used to treat chronic pain. Procedure starts with sensory mapping, localisation of the hotspot and detection of sensory threshold. Then two protocols of PMS are implemented: 5 blocks of PMS of varying frequency and 1 block of rPMS.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Other interventionEEG is a technique commonly used for the registration of brain activity. The procedure is non-invasive, electrodes are placed on the scalp of the participants. The recording is made simultaneously with the PMS.
1. Visual analogue scale (VAS)
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line used to measure pain intensity. One end of the line represents no pain; while the other end signifies worst possible pain"; The line can be either horizontal or vertical.
Sensory threshold
In this experiment, the goal is to determine the minimum stimulation amplitude that elicits a sensory response. Participants are stimulated by PMS on different power levels and describe their sensations. PMS of the median nerve should evoke tactile response without the muscle response in the area of the palm and fingers which are innervated by it. Sensory threshold is the minimum intensity level which evokes sensory sensations in this particular area.
Sensory mapping
Participants mark their sensations evoked by PMS using PerceptMapper on the scale from 0 (no sensation) to 10 (uncomfortably intense). Participants also mark sensation location on a hand image, describe the sensation's naturalness and intensity and some characteristics of these sensations (tingling, temperature change, et.c.).
Pain detect
The questionnaire combines a pain distribution diagram with a visual analog scale (VAS) and a section focused on identifying spontaneous and triggered neuropathic pain symptoms. It also assesses the nature of pain using the diagram, categorizing it as constant, episodic, or constant with episodes, among others. The questionnaire comprehensively reflects all possible pain parameters, allowing for clear tracking of pain dynamics over time. Its diagnostic accuracy is 83%.
DN4
The DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) questionnaire is a diagnostic tool designed to identify neuropathic pain, caused by nerve damage. It includes 10 items divided into two sections. The first part consists of seven questions that assess the patient's pain symptoms, such as burning, tingling, electric shocks, or numbness. The second part involves a clinical examination where the physician tests for reduced sensitivity to touch and pinprick, as well as pain response to light brushing. Each item is scored with 1 point for "Yes" and 0 for "No." A total score of 4 or higher indicates a high probability of neuropathic pain.
Social-demographic questionnaire
Participants fill in the form about their background in their professional sphere and their experience as sportsmen and musicians. This measure can help determine the possible connections between the background and the individual results and enhance personalized care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
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Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
Lead sponsor
Motorica LLC
Collaborator
