Microneurography - Advantages

Advantages

Microneurography records intact axons in vivo and is minimally invasive. Reports of persistent or clear nerve damage due to microneurography have not been made. As a result, repeated recordings on the same living subject are possible and longitudinal observations can be made. Microneurography, unlike other techniques, can also distinguish individual action potentials in single, identified peripheral fibers. Currently, it is the only technique used to detect and quantify the pathophysiology of positive sensory phenomena mediated by large myelinated fibers and thin myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. Furthermore, microneurography has the advantage over an in vitro recording because normal blood perfusion of the nerve is maintained and the axonal microenvironment is relatively undisturbed. This allows for the preservation of the resting membrane potential and other functions dependent on the normal functioning of the sodium pump.