Ultrasound-guided, open-source microneurography: Approaches to improve recordings from peripheral nerves in man

James Dunham*, Anna Sales, Anthony E. Pickering

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
547 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective
Microneurography is the only method for recording from single neurons in intact human nerves. It is challenging - requiring technical expertise, investment in specialised equipment and has sparse data yields.

Methods
We assessed whether ultrasound guidance in combination with an ‘open access’ amplifier and data capture system (Open-Ephys) would simplify and expand the scope of microneurographic recordings in humans.

Results
In 32 healthy consenting volunteers, ultrasound-guidance improved success rates for obtaining cutaneous C-fibres and reduced “Skin to Nerve” times from 28.5 minutes to 4.5 minutes for recordings of the peroneal nerve (P<0.0001).We illustrate the potential utility of ultrasound-guided microneurography for difficult to access nerves with phrenic nerve recording during a Valsalva manoeuvre. We show that Open Ephys is a viable alternative to commercially available recording systems and offers advantages in terms of cost and software customisability.

Conclusions
Ultrasound guidance for microneurography with Open Ephys facilitates cutaneous C nociceptor recordings and allows recordings to be made from nerves previously considered inaccessible.

Significance
We anticipate that the adoption of these techniques will improve microneurography experimental efficiency, adds an important visual learning aid and increases the generalisability of the approach.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2475-2481
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Neurophysiology
Volume129
Issue number11
Early online date29 Jul 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2018

Research Groups and Themes

  • CRICBristol
  • Anaesthesia Pain and Critical Care

Keywords

  • Microneurography
  • Pain
  • C-fibre
  • Nociceptor
  • Open-source
  • Ultrasound

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