1. Pain Stimulator Adam Platt Jen Wells Biz Slyziuk Kalee McFadden
Bryan Eckerle March 25, 2004

2. Dr. Stephen Bruehl Research Interests
Endogenous Pain Regulatory Systems, Psychobiology of Emotions
Focus: Understanding endogenous pain regulatory systems and dysfunction associated with chronic pain.
Interaction between cardiovascular and pain regulatory systems to maintain homeostasis during painful stimuli compared to interaction in chronic pain patients

3. Experimental Importance
NIH funded
120 subjects
Two research sessions one week apart
Stimulation of C-fibers
Placebo vs. drug
Measures level of activity of receptors
Draw conclusions on natural pain systems in humans

4. Experimental Method
Automated blood pressure cuff attached to bicep of dominant arm
Blood pressure cuff placed on middle finger of non-dominant hand
ECG
Cannula inserted into dominant arm
Blood drawn to assess natural stress hormones and inflammatory substances
Task Performed
McGill Pain Questionnaire

5. Drugs to be Tested Yohimbine Naloxone
Blocks 2 adrenergic receptors which inhibit release of norepinephrine
Used clinically for erectile dysfunction (orally)
For Dr. Bruehl’s purposes, the FDA has only approved injections
Naloxone
Blocks opiate receptors
Used clinically for heroine overdose
Injected into patient

6. Problems with Existing Device
No electronic output
Oral reading
No accurate measurement of pressure
Lever system with constant weight
No adjustability for height or hand dominance
Adjustable only for finger placement

7. Our Design Device Maintain lever system Most stable design
Reposition weight to be placed vertically above finger
Contact Point
Between top two joints on index finger of dominant hand
Middle Phalanx #2

8. Our Design… Cont.
Table
Transportation
Positioning
Adjustable Height
Sliding Tracks
Forearm length
Slider scale mounted to table displaying “No Pain” to “Worst Pain Imaginable”

9. Schematic Slider Scale Device PC Computer LabVIEW A/D Converter
(Pressure Transducer)
PC Computer
LabVIEW
A/D Converter

10. Device with Measurements

11. Materials
Aluminum
Lucite
Steel

12. Device Construction
In process
Featheringill machine shop

13. LabView Timer Sliding Scale Digital Display Graphical Output
Audiovisuals
Digital Data Storage
Patient
Administrator
Date
Experimental Data

14. LabVIEW Interface

15. Questions?