[Evaluation of the effectiveness of transcutaneous electroneuroanalgesia in phantom pain syndrome].

Transcutaneous electroneurostimulation carried out in 24 patients with phantom pain syndrome completely relieved pain in only 25% of patients. A possible cause of poor efficacy of this method is depletion of the endorphin antinociceptive mechanisms. EEG findings indicated a possibility of objectively controlling the course of analgesia. Specific EEG signs of phantom pain syndrome were distinguished: polymorphism of EEG fluctuations, high-frequency rapid or slow electrical activity of the brain, and paroxysmal activity. Normalization of EEG, i.e. appearance of manifest alpha-rhythm, reduction of the intensities of slow-wave and rapid activities with the relevant spectral changes, are signs of a positive effect of the analgesic method used, as exemplified by transcutaneous electroneurostimulation.