Microneurography in Humans

The microneurographic technique allows the researcher to observe and monitor the continuous ongoing neural activity of peripheral nerves in awake human subjects. It enables the study of both multiunit and single neuronal activities in practically all kinds of nerve fibers regardless of size or myelinization. The scientist has the possibility to correlate neuronal activity with peripheral stimuli, vegetative and motoric activity, as well as subjective experience. The technique is a relatively new one (first publication by Hagbarth and Vallbo in 1967), but has already attracted neuroscientists working in many different areas of the nervous system, in both normal and pathological conditions. During the 30 or so years the technique has been available, it has enabled major scientific advances in many of these areas.