Application of electroacupuncture (EAP) of the segmental points to
patients with vertebrogenic algesic syndromes decreased amplitude of
N150 and P240 waves recorded from vertex to painful electrocutaneous
stimulation in the region innervated by an affected root. As distinct
from EAP of segmental point auricular EAP not only decreased the
amplitude of late components of evoked potentials (EP), but also
increased it, direction of EP changes depending on the character of
sensitivity disorders. It is suggested that effect of EAP-evoked EP
changes in patients with hypalgesia is determined by two oppositively
acting factors: by a decrease of nociceptive afferent impulsation
intensity as a result of the antinociceptive system activation and by
an increase of the afferent impulsation intensity due to recovery of
function of central terminals in primary sensory neurons.