Somatosensory cortex: a comparison of the response to noxious thermal, mechanical, and electrical stimuli using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

In the present study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine pain perception in humans. Three types of noxious stimuli were presented: electric shock (20.8 mA, 2 Hz), heat (48 degrees C), and mechanical, as well as a control tactile stimulus.