The ability of a mathematical model to evaluate the effects of two pain modulating procedures on pulpal pain in man

• Published in: Pain (Amsterdam) Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 253 - 264
• Main Authors: Fors, Uno G.H., Edwall, Lennart G.A., Haegerstam, Glenn A.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.1988; Lippincott-Raven Publishers.Copyright Lippincott-Raven Publishers; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Algorithms; Analysis of effects; Biological and medical sciences; Dental Pulp; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Intradental nerve activity; Male; Mathematical model; Models, Theoretical; Nerve Block; Pain Management; Pain modulation; Somesthesis and somesthetic pathways (proprioception, exteroception, nociception); interoception; electrolocation. Sensory receptors; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Vibration; Pain modulation; Intradental nerve activity; Mathematical model; Analysis of effects; Human; Evaluation; Pain; Dental pulp
• ISSN: 0304-3959; 1872-6623
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-3959(88)90097-8

The ability of a mathematical model to evaluate the effects of two different pain modulating procedures (partial nerve block and vibration) on acute experimental pulpal pain was studied. The results were also compared with placebo procedures and it was shown that the model could accurately quantify the parameters that determine the pain response following cold-induced intradental nerve impulse activity (INA). The most effective pain relieving method was found to be partial nerve block which induced significant parameter alterations reflecting decreased pain sensation and increased reaction time. Thus, it was shown that the present mathematical model is a useful tool enabling detailed analysis of differences in pain relieving procedures on human pulpal pain mediated by nerves of the A type.