Sympathetic Nerves

Abstract

Application of electric impulses of the specified kind (page 21) to influence sympathetic nerves may be understood easily. It is possible to interrupt the function of a sympathetic nerve by applying electrodes in a specific way, specific as to size and position of the electrodes. To ascertain if a proposed measure will be followed by the desired effect, one should test the respective nerve block by monitoring the circulation before prescribing a series of therapeutic treatments. As an example, the case of a patient who presented leg pain about 1 1/2 to 2 years after a disc operation is cited. The pain was the same as it was before his operation. Checking the identical leg for either a recurrent disc protrusion or a so-called post-sciatic circulatory disturbance, the hemodynamics of the leg were examined, using an appropriate method (rheogram). This approach is the simplest in arriving at a clear diagnosis. For a rheographic [136] study an AC-field is used and the impedance changes registered (fig. 20). After 10 minutes of exposing the lumbar sympathetic chain of the respective side to the named electric impulses, the study is repeated and results are compared with the initial control, either visually (fig. 20) or, for a more exact and objective evaluation, with computer assisted evaluation (fig. 21). In the case mentioned the print out of the test result registered an optimal return to normal circulatory conditions. Accordingly a treatment session of the electric block of the sympathetic chain at the L-3 level (as in the test) was prescribed. After a month of daily 20 minute treatments, the patient was pain free and remained so after one year, at which time the test was repeated. If this test had presented a negative result, other investigations would have been made to obtain a clear diagnosis. The symptoms dictate which segment has to be used for testing. In the afore mentioned case, electrode positions were chosen which may be recognized from figs. 29 – 32. Such tests may be performed at all parts of the sympathetic system even if circulatory symtoms are not the primary complaint. In our case it was pain. It may well be tinnitus, vertigo, swelling or any other symptom related to sympathetic dysfunction. Circulatory studies are necessary for testing because they allow objective statements. Where to place electrodes in what condition will be described on the following pages.