Brain Connections: Advances in Neuroscience

Abstract

Nerve conduction can be blocked in the entire nerve through application of 3-50 kHz electrical stimuli, with numerous clinical applications. However, this block is complete and blocks the entire nerve, including nerve signals traveling in both directions. Here we talk about recent results suggesting that this technique could be modified to allow selective nerve block. In particular, we demonstrate the ability to selective block A-fiber (myelinated) or C-fiber (unmyelinated) nerve conduction in an in vitro sciatic nerve preparation.