Pain related potentials by electrical stimulation of skin for detection of small-fiber neuropathy in HIV

J Neurol. 2006 Dec;253(12):1581-4. doi: 10.1007/s00415-006-0262-4. Epub 2006 Oct 24.

Abstract

We compared the sensitivity of pain related evoked potentials (PREP), a novel electrophysiological technique, with standard nerve conduction (SNC) testing in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy in 47 patients with HIV infection and 31 age matched controls. SNC testing revealed a neuropathy in only 31%, whereas PREP was abnormal in 74% of symptomatic patients. This result hints that PREP is more sensitive in the detection of HIV-associated small fiber neuropathy than standard neurography.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Electric Stimulation / adverse effects
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials / radiation effects
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Neural Conduction / radiation effects
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Reaction Time / radiation effects
  • Skin / innervation*
  • Skin / radiation effects