Motor cortex stimulation inhibits thalamic sensory neurons and enhances activity of PAG neurons: Possible pathways for antinociception

TOC summary Motor cortex stimulation-induced analgesia occurs, at least in part, through the inhibition of the thalamic sensory neurons and the neuronal disinhibition in the periaqueductal gray. Motor cortex stimulation is generally suggested as a therapy for patients with chronic and refractory neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying its analgesic effects are still unknown. In a previous study, we demonstrated that cortical...