Use of Galvanic Skin Response(GSR) to Measure Peripheral Block Activity

Peripheral nerve block is one of the commonly used blocks in regional anesthesia. In regional anesthesia applications, there are important advantages such as being conscious of the patient, expressing his complaints, continuation of spontaneous breathing, preservation of airway reflexes, continuation of analgesia in the postoperative period and early mobilization of the patient.

In 1978, ultrasound (USG) was used for the first time in peripheral nerve block. With USG, it is possible to monitor the nerves and anatomical structures, follow the needle, and reduce the dose by monitoring the distribution of the local anesthetic administered. Therefore, USG-guided peripheral nerve blocks are frequently used in anesthesia practice.

The Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) is a simple way to obtain autonomic nervous system dependent sweat gland function as a parameter.

Physically, the galvanic skin response is the change in the electrical structure of the skin to various stimuli. Changes in tension measured from the skin surface are recorded. The galvanic skin response is a useful, simple and reproducible electrophysiological technique for investigating sympathetic nervous system function.

The relaxation, calming response that accompanies an increase in skin resistance (causing a decrease in GSR meter) is the body's combat response that accompanies a decrease in skin resistance (causing an increase in GSR meter). Generally, low conductivity is a sign of relaxation. High conductivity is a sign of emotional, mental, or physical arousal. The galvanic skin response is a simple way to obtain autonomic nervous system-related sweat gland function as a parameter.