Neuroselective transcutaneous electric stimulation reveals body area-specific differences in itch perception.

Abstract

Electrically evoked itch has been reported, although the electrodes, the frequency, and the pulse duration used were not standardized. To examine whether a neuroselective transcutaneous electrical stimulator (NTES; Neurometer; Neurotron, Inc, Baltimore, Md) can evoke itch and whether it can provoke itch on any body area. Twelve healthy subjects were stimulated on 30 body sites by 5 Hz alternating current produced by the NTES. We classified the evoked perceptions into two sensations (with and without itch) and divided the examined sites into 7 groups: G1, head and neck; G2, arm; G3, palm; G4, the dorsal surface of the hand; G5, knee and leg; G6, dorsal foot; and G7, ankle. The data were then statistically analyzed. The NTES preferentially evoked itch at the G4 and G7 sites, and a sensation without itch at the G1 site. Tests were performed on limited body areas. The NTES can provoke itch, it was discovered that there are body area-specific differences in itch sensation.