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Bartel L, Dyback P, Khan A. The Treatment of Chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with Novel Neuromodulatory Sound Waves: A Case Report. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1640. [PMID: 39201198 PMCID: PMC11353587 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a case of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type I and treated over a two-month period with a novel low-frequency sound-transduced focal pulsed stimulus. The patient received 21 treatments consisting of focally applied sound sweeps in the 15-100 Hz range. Outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, five physical assessment parameters, medication, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. A follow-up was conducted at six months. The results show that the patient's low-back pain level was substantially reduced after treatment and after six months. CRPS-related peripheral pain was strongly reduced but had some rebound after six months. The low-frequency sound-transduced focal pulsed stimulus shows potential as a non-invasive treatment for CRPS and deserves controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Bartel
- Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2C5, Canada
- Neuro Spinal Innovation Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 3K3, Canada
| | - Peter Dyback
- Neuro Spinal Innovation Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 3K3, Canada
| | - Aslam Khan
- Neuro Spinal Innovation Inc., Mississauga, ON L5L 3K3, Canada
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2
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Mathew J, Adhia DB, Smith ML, De Ridder D, Mani R. Closed-Loop Infraslow Brain-Computer Interface can Modulate Cortical Activity and Connectivity in Individuals With Chronic Painful Knee Osteoarthritis: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Clin EEG Neurosci 2024:15500594241264892. [PMID: 39056313 DOI: 10.1177/15500594241264892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction. Chronic pain is a percept due to an imbalance in the activity between sensory-discriminative, motivational-affective, and descending pain-inhibitory brain regions. Evidence suggests that electroencephalography (EEG) infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback (ISF-NF) training can improve clinical outcomes. It is unknown whether such training can induce EEG activity and functional connectivity (FC) changes. A secondary data analysis of a feasibility clinical trial was conducted to determine whether EEG ISF-NF training can significantly alter EEG activity and FC between the targeted cortical regions in people with chronic painful knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A parallel, two-arm, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted. People with chronic knee pain associated with OA were randomized to receive sham NF training or source-localized ratio ISF-NF training protocol to down-train ISF bands at the somatosensory (SSC), dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC), and uptrain pregenual anterior cingulate cortices (pgACC). Resting state EEG was recorded at baseline and immediate post-training. Results. The source localization mapping demonstrated a reduction (P = .04) in the ISF band activity at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LdlPFC) in the active NF group. Region of interest analysis yielded significant differences for ISF (P = .008), slow (P = .007), beta (P = .043), and gamma (P = .012) band activities at LdlPFC, dACC, and bilateral SSC. The FC between pgACC and left SSC in the delta band was negatively correlated with pain bothersomeness in the ISF-NF group. Conclusion. The EEG ISF-NF training can modulate EEG activity and connectivity in individuals with chronic painful knee osteoarthritis, and the observed EEG changes correlate with clinical pain measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerin Mathew
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Pain@Otago Research Theme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Divya Bharatkumar Adhia
- Pain@Otago Research Theme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Dirk De Ridder
- Pain@Otago Research Theme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ramakrishnan Mani
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Pain@Otago Research Theme, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Ferraro MC, O'Connell NE, Sommer C, Goebel A, Bultitude JH, Cashin AG, Moseley GL, McAuley JH. Complex regional pain syndrome: advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:522-533. [PMID: 38631768 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare pain disorder that usually occurs in a limb after trauma. The features of this disorder include severe pain and sensory, autonomic, motor, and trophic abnormalities. Research from the past decade has offered new insights into CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Early identification of individuals at high risk of CRPS is improving, with several risk factors established and some others identified in prospective studies during the past 5 years. Better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of CRPS has led to its classification as a chronic primary pain disorder, and subtypes of CRPS have been updated. Procedures for diagnosis have also been clarified. Although effective treatment of CRPS remains a challenge, evidence-based integrated management approaches provide new opportunities to improve patient care. Further advances in diagnosis and treatment of CRPS will require coordinated, international multicentre initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Ferraro
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil E O'Connell
- Department of Health Sciences, Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Claudia Sommer
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Neurology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Janet H Bultitude
- Centre for Pain Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Aidan G Cashin
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - James H McAuley
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Osumi M, Sumitani M, Iwatsuki K, Hoshiyama M, Imai R, Morioka S, Hirata H. Resting-state Electroencephalography Microstates Correlate with Pain Intensity in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Clin EEG Neurosci 2024; 55:121-129. [PMID: 37844609 DOI: 10.1177/15500594231204174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Severe pain and other symptoms in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), such as allodynia and hyperalgesia, are associated with abnormal resting-state brain network activity. No studies to date have examined resting-state brain networks in CRPS patients using electroencephalography (EEG), which can clarify the temporal dynamics of brain networks. Methods: We conducted microstate analysis using resting-state EEG signals to prospectively reveal direct correlations with pain intensity in CRPS patients (n = 17). Five microstate topographies were fitted back to individual CRPS patients' EEG data, and temporal microstate measures were subsequently calculated. Results: Our results revealed five distinct microstates, termed microstates A to E, from resting EEG data in patients with CRPS. Microstates C, D and E were significantly correlated with pain intensity before pain treatment. Particularly, microstates D and E were significantly improved together with pain alleviation after pain treatment. As microstates D and E in the present study have previously been related to attentional networks and the default mode network, improvement in these networks might be related to pain relief in CRPS patients. Conclusions: The functional alterations of these brain networks affected the pain intensity of CRPS patients. Therefore, EEG microstate analyses may be used to identify surrogate markers for pain intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Osumi
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University. 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Kitakatsuragigun, Nara, Japan
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University. 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Kitakatsuragigun, Nara, Japan
| | - Masahiko Sumitani
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital. 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Iwatsuki
- Department of Hand Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Minoru Hoshiyama
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nagoya University, 1-1-20 Daiko-minami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryota Imai
- School of Rehabilitation, Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University, Kaizuka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shu Morioka
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University. 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Kitakatsuragigun, Nara, Japan
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University. 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Kitakatsuragigun, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hirata
- Department of Hand Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Delon-Martin C, Lefaucheur JP, Hodaj E, Sorel M, Dumolard A, Payen JF, Hodaj H. Neural Correlates of Pain-Autonomic Coupling in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Motor Cortex. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:188-199. [PMID: 37589642 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition involving autonomic dysregulation. In this study, we report the results of an ancillary study to a larger clinical trial investigating the treatment of CRPS by neuromodulation. This ancillary study, based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), evaluated the neural correlates of pain in patients with CRPS in relation to the sympathetic nervous system and for its potential relief after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients with CRPS at one limb (six women, five men, aged 52.0 ± 9.6 years) were assessed before and one month after the end of a five-month repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy targeting the motor cortex contralateral to the painful limb, by means of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) measurement, daily pain intensity scores on a visual numerical scale (VNS), and fMRI with motor tasks (alternation of finger movements and rest). The fMRI scans were analyzed voxelwise using ESC and VNS pain score as regressors to derive their neural correlates. The criterion of response to rTMS therapy was defined as ≥30% reduction in VNS pain score one month after treatment compared with baseline. RESULTS At baseline, ESC values were reduced in the affected limb vs the nonaffected limb. There was a covariance of VNS with brain activation in a small region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) contralateral to the painful side on fMRI investigation. After rTMS therapy on motor cortex related to the painful limb, the VNS pain scores significantly decreased by 22% on average. The criterion of response was met in six of 11 patients (55%). In these responders, at one month after treatment, ESC value increased and returned to normal in the CRPS-affected limb, and overall, the increase in ESC correlated with the decrease in VNS after motor cortex rTMS therapy. At one month after treatment, there also was a covariance of both variables (ESC and VNS) with fMRI activation of the S1 region previously mentioned. The fMRI activation of other brain regions (middle frontal gyrus and temporo-parietal junction) showed correlation with ESC values before and after treatment. Finally, we found a positive correlation at one month after treatment (not at baseline) between VNS pain score and fMRI activation in the temporo-parietal junction contralateral to painful side. CONCLUSIONS This study first shows a functional pain-autonomic coupling in patients with CRPS, which could involve a specific S1 region. However, the modulation of sympathetic sudomotor activities expressed by ESC changes was rather correlated with functional changes in other brain regions. Finally, the pain relief observed at one month after rTMS treatment was associated with a reduced activation of the temporo-parietal junction on the side in which rTMS was performed. These findings open perspectives to define new targets or biomarkers for using rTMS to treat CRPS-associated pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT02817880.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Delon-Martin
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- EA University Paris Est Créteil, Health Faculty, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Enkeledja Hodaj
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Clinical Investigation Center, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Sorel
- Sud-Seine-et-Marne Hospital, Center for Pain Evaluation and Treatment, Nemours, France
| | | | - Jean-François Payen
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, Pain Center, Grenoble, France
| | - Hasan Hodaj
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, Pain Center, Grenoble, France
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Moriwaki K, Yoshino A, Ikejiri Y, Nakamura R, Tsutsumi Y. A Case of a Father and Son With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 Exhibiting Different Resting-State Functional Connectivity on Functional MRI. Cureus 2024; 16:e52589. [PMID: 38371121 PMCID: PMC10874683 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 is a chronic pain condition whose pathogenesis involves changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems, with potential genetic contributions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies report that alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) may reflect central nervous system anomalies in CRPS type 1. Herein, we describe the case of a father and son with CRPS type 1 who exhibited different rsFC patterns in fMRI analyses correlating with their individual CRPS phenotypes. A 39-year-old male and his 61-year-old father presented with severe pain and mobility limitations in their right upper limbs following a vehicle accident and a fall, respectively, and were diagnosed with CRPS type 1. Despite receiving treatment, they experienced severe pain and limited mobility. The son exhibited dystonia and musculoskeletal atrophy while the father experienced extensive sensory disturbances. Bone scintigraphy revealed increased uptake in affected regions. The patients' resting-state fMRI data were compared with those of 48 healthy adults using the CONN software, with the false discovery rate set at p<0.05. Distinct brain regions for the father and son exhibited decreased rsFC (between the rostral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex in the father and between the supplementary motor area and pallidum in the son; all in the right hemisphere). These changes corresponded to pain sensation and cognitive-emotional alterations in the father and limb movement disorders (dystonia) in the son. Our findings strongly support the idea that abnormalities in rsFC are closely linked to CRPS type 1 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki Moriwaki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hiroshima Hiramatsu Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Atsuo Yoshino
- Health Service Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, JPN
- Center for Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences Research, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Yumi Ikejiri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shimura Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Ryuji Nakamura
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
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Mangnus TJP, Dirckx M, Huygen FJPM. Different Types of Pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Require a Personalized Treatment Strategy. J Pain Res 2023; 16:4379-4391. [PMID: 38162406 PMCID: PMC10757771 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s432209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating painful state of an extremity that can develop after trauma. CRPS is diagnosed by the new International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) diagnostic criteria for CRPS. The syndrome is characterized by continuing regional pain with abnormal sensory, motor, sudomotor, vasomotor, edema, and/or trophic signs. The clinical presentation of CRPS can be very heterogeneous because CRPS is a multi-mechanism syndrome. Therefore, mechanism-based subgroups have been suggested to personalize treatment for CRPS. Additionally, the presentation of symptom pain may also be able to identify different subgroups of CRPS. In this review, the types of pain recognized by the IASP-nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain-will be discussed as possible subgroups for CRPS. Each pain type should be identified in CRPS patients, with a thorough history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic tests or (novel) biomarkers to optimize treatment effectiveness. Over the course of the syndrome, patients with CRPS probably experience more than one distinct pain type. Therefore, pain specialists should be alert to not only adjust their treatment if underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms tend to change but also to personalize the treatment of the associated type of pain in the CRPS patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J P Mangnus
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Dirckx
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J P M Huygen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Hotta J, Saari J, Harno H, Kalso E, Forss N, Hari R. Somatotopic disruption of the functional connectivity of the primary sensorimotor cortex in complex regional pain syndrome type 1. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6258-6274. [PMID: 37837646 PMCID: PMC10619416 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the representation area of the affected limb in the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) reacts abnormally during sensory stimulation and motor actions. We recorded 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging resting-state data from 17 upper-limb CRPS type 1 patients and 19 healthy control subjects to identify alterations of patients' SM1 function during spontaneous pain and to find out how the spatial distribution of these alterations were related to peripheral symptoms. Seed-based correlations and independent component analyses indicated that patients' upper-limb SM1 representation areas display (i) reduced interhemispheric connectivity, associated with the combined effect of intensity and spatial extent of limb pain, (ii) increased connectivity with the right anterior insula that positively correlated with the duration of CRPS, (iii) increased connectivity with periaqueductal gray matter, and (iv) disengagement from the other parts of the SM1 network. These findings, now reported for the first time in CRPS, parallel the alterations found in patients suffering from other chronic pain conditions or from limb denervation; they also agree with findings in healthy persons who are exposed to experimental pain or have used their limbs asymmetrically. Our results suggest that CRPS is associated with a sustained and somatotopically specific alteration of SM1 function, that has correspondence to the spatial distribution of the peripheral manifestations and to the duration of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Hotta
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical EngineeringAalto University School of ScienceEspooFinland
- Aalto NeuroImagingAalto UniversityEspooFinland
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University Hospital and Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jukka Saari
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical EngineeringAalto University School of ScienceEspooFinland
- Aalto NeuroImagingAalto UniversityEspooFinland
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Hanna Harno
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University Hospital and Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain MedicineUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Eija Kalso
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain MedicineUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Nina Forss
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical EngineeringAalto University School of ScienceEspooFinland
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University Hospital and Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Riitta Hari
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical EngineeringAalto University School of ScienceEspooFinland
- Department of Art and MediaAalto University School of Arts, Design and ArchitectureHelsinkiFinland
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Alshehri FS. The complex regional pain syndrome: Diagnosis and management strategies. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2023; 28:211-219. [PMID: 37844940 PMCID: PMC10827038 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2023.4.20230034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic disease that affects a limb following an injury or trauma. The CRPS associated with symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, as well as changes in skin color and temperature. Treatment of CRPS requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on personalized treatment plans and addressing psychological factors. This review provides an overview of updates in the diagnosis and treatment of CRPS. There are clinical criteria for diagnosing CRPS, including persistent pain and swelling. The CRPS can also be diagnosed with imaging and laboratory tests. Novel insights into treatment approaches for CRPS have been gained from advances in understanding its pathophysiology. Treatment of CRPS includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The latest guidelines for CRPS treatment emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, personalized treatment plans, and addressing psychological factors in managing CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad S. Alshehri
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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10
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Tangella AV. Imaging Modalities and Their Findings in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e41747. [PMID: 37575802 PMCID: PMC10415629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a systemic or regional pain pathology associated with the nondermatomal or dermatomal distribution of excruciating intolerable pain, which might be triggered by an insignificant or weak stimulus or sometimes without any. Its symptoms encompass neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological, and vascular realms. It is usually preceded by an episode of nerve injury or intervention set in numerous circumstances ranging from trauma to surgeries to chronic diseases. CRPS has been shrouded in a veil of mystery and was called a psychological phenomenon without any proper organic basis when it was described by Ambroise Pare initially. This led to disproportionately fewer research investments into this disease. Given the great advancement of diagnostic modalities since its inception, researchers and physicians have been trying to identify the physiological basis for it and have succeeded. Numerous pathophysiological pathways have been involved in this disease, but all of them point toward the possibility of improper pain processing at various levels of the pain pathway along with brain plasticity leading to aberrant neuronal circuitry between different segments of the sensory cortex, basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and insula. This paper explores the various studies done to evaluate the role of different imaging modalities, ranging from three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) to diffusion traction imaging (DTI).
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Mathew J, Adhia DB, Smith ML, De Ridder D, Mani R. Source localized infraslow neurofeedback training in people with chronic painful knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled feasibility clinical trial. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:899772. [PMID: 35968375 PMCID: PMC9366917 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.899772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent pain is a key symptom in people living with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Infra-slow Neurofeedback (ISF-NF) training is a recent development focusing on modulating cortical slow-wave activity to improve pain outcomes. A parallel, two-armed double-blinded, randomized sham-controlled, feasibility clinical trial aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of a novel electroencephalography-based infraslow fluctuation neurofeedback (EEG ISF-NF) training in people with KOA and determine the variability of clinical outcomes and EEG changes following NF training. Eligible participants attended nine 30-min ISF-NF training sessions involving three cortical regions linked to pain. Feasibility measures were monitored during the trial period. Pain and functional outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up after 2 weeks. Resting-state EEG was recorded at baseline and immediate post-intervention. Participants were middle-aged (61.7 ± 7.6 years), New Zealand European (90.5%), and mostly females (62%) with an average knee pain duration of 4 ± 3.4 years. The study achieved a retention rate of 91%, with 20/22 participants completing all the sessions. Participants rated high levels of acceptance and “moderate to high levels of perceived effectiveness of the training.” No serious adverse events were reported during the trial. Mean difference (95% CI) for clinical pain and function measures are as follows for pain severity [active: 0.89 ± 1.7 (−0.27 to 2.0); sham: 0.98 ± 1.1 (0.22–1.7)], pain interference [active: 0.75 ± 2.3 (−0.82 to 2.3); Sham: 0.89 ± 2.1 (−0.60 to 2.4)], pain unpleasantness [active: 2.6 ± 3.7 (0.17–5.1); sham: 2.8 ± 3 (0.62–5.0)] and physical function [active: 6.2 ± 13 (−2.6 to 15); sham: 1.6 ± 12 (−6.8 to 10)]. EEG sources demonstrated frequency-specific neuronal activity, functional connectivity, and ISF ratio changes following NF training. The findings of the study indicated that the ISF-NF training is a feasible, safe, and acceptable intervention for pain management in people with KOA, with high levels of perceived effectiveness. The study also reports the variability in clinical, brain activity, and connectivity changes following training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerin Mathew
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Jerin Mathew,
| | - Divya Bharatkumar Adhia
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Dirk De Ridder
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ramakrishnan Mani
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Vittersø AD, Halicka M, Buckingham G, Proulx MJ, Bultitude JH. The sensorimotor theory of pathological pain revisited. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104735. [PMID: 35705110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Harris (1999) proposed that pain can arise in the absence of tissue damage because changes in the cortical representation of the painful body part lead to incongruences between motor intention and sensory feedback. This idea, subsequently termed the sensorimotor theory of pain, has formed the basis for novel treatments for pathological pain. Here we review the evidence that people with pathological pain have changes to processes contributing to sensorimotor function: motor function, sensory feedback, cognitive representations of the body and its surrounding space, multisensory processing, and sensorimotor integration. Changes to sensorimotor processing are most evident in the form of motor deficits, sensory changes, and body representations distortions, and for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, and low back pain. Many sensorimotor changes are related to cortical processing, pain, and other clinical characteristics. However, there is very limited evidence that changes in sensorimotor processing actually lead to pain. We therefore propose that the theory is more appropriate for understanding why pain persists rather than how it arises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel D Vittersø
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monika Halicka
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Proulx
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Centre for Real and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs, Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Janet H Bultitude
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
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13
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Lotze M, Moseley GL. Clinical and Neurophysiological Effects of Progressive Movement Imagery Training for Pathological Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1480-1491. [PMID: 35504569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Movement limitation is a common characteristic of chronic pain such that pain prevents the very movement and activity that is most likely to promote recovery. This is particularly the case for pathological pain states such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). One clinical approach to CRPS that has growing evidence of efficacy involves progressive movement imagery training. Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) targets clinical and neurophysiological effects through a stepwise progression through implicit and explicit movement imagery training, mirror therapy and then functional tasks. Here we review experiences from over 20 years of clinical and research experience with GMI. We situate GMI in terms of its historical underpinnings, the benefits and outstanding challenges of its implementation, its potential application beyond CRPS. We then review the neuropathological targets of GMI and current thought on its effects on neurophysiological biomarkers. Perspective This article provides an overview of our experiences with graded motor imagery training over the last 20 years focussing on the treatment of CRPS. It does both cover the theoretical underpinnings for this treatment approach, biomarkers which indicate potential changes driven by GMI, and experiences for achieving optimal treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lotze
- Functional Imaging Unit. Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
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14
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Lee B, Di Pietro F, Henderson LA, Austin PJ. Altered basal ganglia infraslow oscillation and resting functional connectivity in complex regional pain syndrome. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1487-1505. [PMID: 35441738 PMCID: PMC9543905 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition commonly accompanied by movement disturbances and often affects the upper limbs. The basal ganglia motor loop is central to movement, however, non-motor basal ganglia loops are involved in pain, sensory integration, visual processing, cognition, and emotion. Systematic evaluation of each basal ganglia functional loop and its relation to motor and non-motor disturbances in CRPS has not been investigated. We recruited 15 upper limb CRPS and 45 matched healthy control subjects. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, infraslow oscillations (ISO) and resting-state functional connectivity in motor and non-motor basal ganglia loops were investigated using putamen and caudate seeds. Compared to controls, CRPS subjects displayed increased ISO power in the putamen contralateral to the CRPS affected limb, specifically, in contralateral putamen areas representing the supplementary motor area hand, motor hand, and motor tongue. Furthermore, compared to controls, CRPS subjects displayed increased resting connectivity between these putaminal areas as well as from the caudate body to cortical areas such as the primary motor cortex, supplementary and cingulate motor areas, parietal association areas, and the orbitofrontal cortex. These findings demonstrate changes in basal ganglia loop function in CRPS subjects and may underpin motor disturbances of CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lee
- School of Medical Sciences and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Flavia Di Pietro
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul J Austin
- School of Medical Sciences and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Meylakh N, Henderson LA. Exploring alterations in sensory pathways in migraine. J Headache Pain 2022; 23:5. [PMID: 35021998 PMCID: PMC8903612 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, often coupled with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Whilst changes in sensory processes during a migraine attack have been well-described, there is growing evidence that even between migraine attacks, sensory abilities are disrupted in migraine. Brain imaging studies have investigated altered coupling between areas of the descending pain modulatory pathway but coupling between somatosensory processing regions between migraine attacks has not been properly studied. The aim of this study was to determine if ongoing functional connectivity between visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and somatosensory cortices are altered during the interictal phase of migraine. Methods To explore the neural mechanisms underpinning interictal changes in sensory processing, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare resting brain activity patterns and connectivity in migraineurs between migraine attacks (n = 32) and in healthy controls (n = 71). Significant differences between groups were determined using two-sample random effects procedures (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons, minimum cluster size 10 contiguous voxels, age and gender included as nuisance variables). Results In the migraine group, increases in infra-slow oscillatory activity were detected in the right primary visual cortex (V1), secondary visual cortex (V2) and third visual complex (V3), and left V3. In addition, resting connectivity analysis revealed that migraineurs displayed significantly enhanced connectivity between V1 and V2 with other sensory cortices including the auditory, gustatory, motor and somatosensory cortices. Conclusions These data provide evidence for a dysfunctional sensory network in pain-free migraine patients which may be underlying altered sensory processing between migraine attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Meylakh
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
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16
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Zhang S, Li H, Xu Q, Wang C, Li X, Sun J, Wang Y, Sun T, Wang Q, Zhang C, Wang J, Jia X, Sun X. Regional homogeneity alterations in multi-frequency bands in tension-type headache: a resting-state fMRI study. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:129. [PMID: 34711175 PMCID: PMC8555254 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01341-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to investigate the spontaneous neural activity in the conventional frequency band (0.01-0.08 Hz) and two sub-frequency bands (slow-4: 0.027-0.073 Hz, and slow-5: 0.01-0.027 Hz) in tension-type headache (TTH) patients with regional homogeneity (ReHo) analyses. METHODS Thirty-eight TTH patients and thirty-eight healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) scanning to investigate abnormal spontaneous neural activity using ReHo analysis in conventional frequency band (0.01-0.08 Hz) and two sub-frequency bands (slow-4: 0.027-0.073 Hz and slow-5: 0.01-0.027 Hz). RESULTS In comparison with the HC group, patients with TTH exhibited ReHo increases in the right medial superior frontal gyrus in the conventional frequency band (0.01-0.08 Hz). The between group differences in the slow-5 band (0.01-0.027 Hz) highly resembled the differences in the conventional frequency band (0.01-0.08 Hz); even the voxels with increased ReHo were spatially more extensive, including the right medial superior frontal gyrus and the middle frontal gyrus. In contrast, no region showed significant between-group differences in the slow-4 band (0.027-0.073 Hz). The correlation analyses showed no correlation between the ReHo values in TTH patients and VAS scores, course of disease and number of seizures per month in conventional band (0.01-0.08 Hz), slow-4 band (0.027-0.073 Hz), as well as in slow-5 band (0.01-0.027 Hz). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the superior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus were involved in the integration and processing of pain signals. In addition, the abnormal spontaneous neural activity in TTH patients was frequency-specific. Namely, slow-5 band (0.01-0.027 Hz) might contain additional useful information in comparison to slow-4 band (0.027-0.073 Hz). This preliminary exploration might provide an objective imaging basis for the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of TTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huayun Li
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Qinyan Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Information and Electronics Technology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- School of Information and Electronics Technology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tong Sun
- Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jili Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xize Jia
- Centre for Cognition and Brain disorders, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xihe Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China.
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17
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Strauss S, Barby S, Härtner J, Pfannmöller JP, Neumann N, Moseley GL, Lotze M. Graded motor imagery modifies movement pain, cortical excitability and sensorimotor function in complex regional pain syndrome. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab216. [PMID: 34661105 PMCID: PMC8514858 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with complex regional pain syndrome suffer from chronic neuropathic pain and also show a decrease in sensorimotor performance associated with characteristic central and peripheral neural system parameters. In the brain imaging domain, these comprise altered functional sensorimotor representation for the affected hand side. With regard to neurophysiology, a decrease in intracortical inhibition for the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the affected hand has been repetitively verified, which might be related to increased primary somatosensory cortex functional activation for the affected limb. Rare longitudinal intervention studies in randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that a decrease in primary somatosensory cortex functional MRI activation coincided with pain relief and recovery in sensorimotor performance. By applying a randomized wait-list control crossover study design, we tested possible associations of clinical, imaging and neurophysiology parameters in 21 patients with complex regional pain syndrome in the chronic stage (>6 months). In more detail, we applied graded motor imagery over 6 weeks to relieve movement pain of the affected upper limb. First, baseline parameters were tested between the affected and the non-affected upper limb side and age-matched healthy controls. Second, longitudinal changes in clinical and testing parameters were associated with neurophysiological and imaging parameters. During baseline short intracortical inhibition, as assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation, was decreased only for hand muscles of the affected hand side. During movement of the affected limb, primary somatosensory cortex functional MRI activation was increased. Hand representation area size for somatosensory stimulation in functional MRI was smaller on the affected side with longer disease duration. Graded motor imagery intervention but not waiting, resulted in a decrease of movement pain. An increase of somatosensory hand representation size over graded motor imagery intervention was related to movement pain relief. Over graded motor imagery intervention, pathological parameters like the increased primary somatosensory cortex activation during fist movement or decreased short intracortical inhibition were modified in the same way as movement pain and hand performance improved. No such changes were observed during the waiting period. Overall, we demonstrated characteristic changes in clinical, behaviour and neuropathology parameters applying graded motor imagery in patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome, which casts light on the effects of graded motor imagery intervention on biomarkers for chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Strauss
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Silke Barby
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jonas Härtner
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jörg Peter Pfannmöller
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicola Neumann
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Martin Lotze
- Functional Imaging Unit, Center for Diagnostic Radiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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18
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Domin M, Strauss S, McAuley JH, Lotze M. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Thalamic GMV Atrophy and Associations of Lower GMV With Clinical and Sensorimotor Performance Data. Front Neurol 2021; 12:722334. [PMID: 34630295 PMCID: PMC8492934 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.722334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Results on gray matter alterations in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) showed heterogeneous findings. Since CRPS is a rare disease, most studies included only small and heterogeneous samples resulting in a low reliability of findings between studies. We investigated 24 CRPS patients with right upper limb affection in the chronic stage of disease using structural MRI and clinical testing. We focused on gray matter volume (GMV) alterations of the brain in comparison to 33 age matched healthy controls, their association to clinical characteristics (duration of pain syndrome and pain intensity ratings) and sensorimotor performance (finger dexterity and spatiotactile resolution). When applying an explorative whole brain analysis CRPS patients showed lower GMV in the bilateral medial thalamus. No other areas showed a relevant GMV difference for the group comparisons. When applying a region of interest driven approach using anatomical masks of the thalamus, ACC/mPFC, putamen, and insula we found relevant associations of clinical and behavioral data in ACC and insula. Whereas, the GMV in ACC showed negative associations with pain intensity and CRPS duration, the GMV of the left posterior insula was negatively associated with sensorimotor performance of the affected hand side. Overall, our results are in accordance to results of others describing a thalamic reduction of GMV in patients with neuropathic pain and are also in accordance with associations of pain intensity and duration with reduced ACC in general in patients with chronic pain syndromes. Sensorimotor performance seems to be related to posterior insula GMV reduction, which has not been described yet for other patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Domin
- fMRI Unit, Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strauss
- fMRI Unit, Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - James H McAuley
- NeuRA and the School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Lotze
- fMRI Unit, Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Maallo AMS, Moulton EA, Sieberg CB, Giddon DB, Borsook D, Holmes SA. A lateralized model of the pain-depression dyad. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:876-883. [PMID: 34090918 PMCID: PMC8289740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and depression are two frequently co-occurring and debilitating conditions. Even though the former is treated as a physical affliction, and the latter as a mental illness, both disorders closely share neural substrates. Here, we review the association of pain with depression, especially when symptoms are lateralized on either side of the body. We also explore the overlapping regions in the forebrain implicated in these conditions. Finally, we synthesize these findings into a model, which addresses gaps in our understanding of comorbid pain and depression. Our lateralized pain-depression dyad model suggests that individuals diagnosed with depression should be closely monitored for pain symptoms in the left hemibody. Conversely, for patients in pain, with the exception of acute pain with a known source, referrals in today's pain centers for psychological evaluation should be part of standard practice, within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach to pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Margarette S Maallo
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eric A Moulton
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine B Sieberg
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald B Giddon
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Pain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Borsook
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott A Holmes
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Yu S, Xu J, Shen Z, Wang Y, Wei W, Guo X, Tian J, Liu L, Yang Y, Zeng F, Liang F, Yang J. Frequency-Specific Alterations in Brain Function in Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:902-911. [PMID: 34314503 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent neuroimaging studies have found that brain function is abnormal in primary dysmenorrhea (PDM). The present study aimed to explore frequency-specific brain alterations and their occurrence in the PDM. METHODS Forty-seven patients with PDM and 36 matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The alterations in brain function in patients with PDM were assessed using different frequency filter bands (Slow5, Slow4, Slow3, and full low frequency) and functional connectivity density (FCD) approach. The clinical significance of the altered FCD was then explored. Additionally, mediation analysis was employed to detect the altered FCD-mediated clinical relationships in PDM. RESULTS Frequency-specific FCD alterations have been observed in patients with PDM, especially in the central executive, default mode, sensorimotor networks, and the hippocampus. The altered full low-frequency FCD in the hippocampus was associated with the duration of disease and pain severity scores. The altered Slow 5 FCD in the second somatosensory area (S2) was associated with the severity of pain in PDM. Furthermore, the FCD in S2 mediated the duration associated with pain symptoms in PDM. CONCLUSION The present study identified frequency-specific FCD alterations in PDM and suggested that the S2 area is a potential treatment target for PDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Yu
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifu Shen
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Tian
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liying Liu
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Yang
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanrong Liang
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, A, cupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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21
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Di Pietro F, Lee B, Henderson LA. Altered resting activity patterns and connectivity in individuals with complex regional pain syndrome. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:3781-3793. [PMID: 32510695 PMCID: PMC7416050 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder that typically occurs in the limbs, usually the upper limb. CRPS usually develops from a peripheral event but its maintenance relies on changes within the central nervous system. While functional abnormalities in the thalamus and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of the brain are some of the most consistently reported brain findings in CRPS, the mechanisms are yet to be explored in full, not least of all how these two regions interact and how they might relate to clinical deficits, such as the commonly reported poor tactile acuity in this condition. This study recruited 15 upper‐limb CRPS subjects and 30 healthy controls and used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate infra‐slow oscillations (ISOs) in critical pain regions of the brain in CRPS. As hypothesised, we found CRPS was associated with increases in resting signal intensity ISOs (0.03–0.06 Hz) in the thalamus contralateral to the painful limb in CRPS subjects. Interestingly, there was no such difference between groups in S1, however CRPS subjects displayed stronger thalamo‐S1 functional connectivity than controls, and this was related to pain. As predicted, CRPS subjects displayed poor tactile acuity on the painful limb which, interestingly, was also related to thalamo‐S1 functional connectivity strength. Our findings provide novel evidence of altered patterns of resting activity and connectivity in CRPS which may underlie altered thalamocortical loop dynamics and the constant perception of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Di Pietro
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Barbara Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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