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Dalrymple AN, Fisher LE, Weber DJ. A preliminary study exploring the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on spinal excitability and phantom limb pain in people with a transtibial amputation. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:046058. [PMID: 39094627 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad6a8d] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Phantom limb pain (PLP) is debilitating and affects over 70% of people with lower-limb amputation. Other neuropathic pain conditions correspond with increased spinal excitability, which can be measured using reflexes andF-waves. Spinal cord neuromodulation can be used to reduce neuropathic pain in a variety of conditions and may affect spinal excitability, but has not been extensively used for treating PLP. Here, we propose using a non-invasive neuromodulation method, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), to reduce PLP and modulate spinal excitability after transtibial amputation.Approach. We recruited three participants, two males (5- and 9-years post-amputation, traumatic and alcohol-induced neuropathy) and one female (3 months post-amputation, diabetic neuropathy) for this 5 d study. We measured pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) test. We measured spinal reflex and motoneuron excitability using posterior root-muscle (PRM) reflexes andF-waves, respectively. We delivered tSCS for 30 min d-1for 5 d.Main Results. After 5 d of tSCS, MPQ scores decreased by clinically-meaningful amounts for all participants from 34.0 ± 7.0-18.3 ± 6.8; however, there were no clinically-significant decreases in VAS scores. Two participants had increased PPTs across the residual limb (Day 1: 5.4 ± 1.6 lbf; Day 5: 11.4 ± 1.0 lbf).F-waves had normal latencies but small amplitudes. PRM reflexes had high thresholds (59.5 ± 6.1μC) and low amplitudes, suggesting that in PLP, the spinal cord is hypoexcitable. After 5 d of tSCS, reflex thresholds decreased significantly (38.6 ± 12.2μC;p< 0.001).Significance. These preliminary results in this non-placebo-controlled study suggest that, overall, limb amputation and PLP may be associated with reduced spinal excitability and tSCS can increase spinal excitability and reduce PLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Dalrymple
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- NeuroMechatronics Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- NERVES Lab, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Lee E Fisher
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Douglas J Weber
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- NeuroMechatronics Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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ALfaifi NY, Winokur EJ. Integrating Complementary Therapies in Managing Phantom Limb Pain: A Case Review. Pain Manag Nurs 2024:S1524-9042(24)00221-2. [PMID: 39147681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.07.007] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper describes phantom limb pain (PLP), its impact on patients, and the various treatment options, including pharmacologic and complementary therapies. It investigates the efficacy of incorporating complementary and alternative therapies, both invasive and noninvasive, for amputees who have not achieved satisfactory results with pharmacologic treatments and suffer from adverse drug events. Furthermore, with the predicted increase in limb amputations, it is crucial for nurses, as frontline providers, to understand PLP, be prepared to manage persistent pain and associated psychological and functional issues and educate patients and families about alternative treatment options. APPROACH The review includes recent studies on pharmacologic interventions for PLP, case reports, and randomized clinical trials on non-pharmacologic complementary therapies, covering both invasive and noninvasive modalities. Studies from 2013 to 2022 were identified using the PubMed search engine with terms such as "Amputation," "phantom limb pain," "invasive therapies," and "non-invasive therapies." RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The pathogenesis of PLP remains unclear, complicating the identification of causes and the selection of targeted therapies for each patient. Uncontrolled PLP can severely impact the quality of life, causing psychological distress and loss of productivity. Traditional pharmacologic therapy often requires supplementation with other options due to PLP's refractory nature. A comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan, including non-pharmacologic therapies, can enhance rehabilitation and reduce complications. Incorporating these therapies can decrease reliance on medications, particularly opioids, and mitigate side effects. Although many potential PLP treatments exist, further clinical studies are needed to determine their effectiveness and establish protocols for optimizing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njood Y ALfaifi
- Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing, Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Elizabeth J Winokur
- Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing, Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Los Angeles, California
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Markewych AN, Suvar T, Swanson MA, Graca MJ, Lubenow TR, McCarthy RJ, Buvanendran A, Kurlander DE. Approaches to neuropathic amputation-related pain: narrative review of surgical, interventional, and medical treatments. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024:rapm-2023-105089. [PMID: 38307612 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2023-105089] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/IMPORTANCE Neuropathic amputation-related pain can consist of phantom limb pain (PLP), residual limb pain (RLP), or a combination of both pathologies. Estimated of lifetime prevalence of pain and after amputation ranges between 8% and 72%. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to summarize the surgical and non-surgical treatment options for amputation-related neuropathic pain to aid in developing optimized multidisciplinary and multimodal treatment plans that leverage multidisciplinary care. EVIDENCE REVIEW A search of the English literature using the following keywords was performed: PLP, amputation pain, RLP. Abstract and full-text articles were evaluated for surgical treatments, medical management, regional anesthesia, peripheral block, neuromodulation, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglia, and peripheral nerve stimulation. FINDINGS The evidence supporting most if not all interventions for PLP are inconclusive and lack high certainty. Targeted muscle reinnervation and regional peripheral nerve interface are the leading surgical treatment options for reducing neuroma formation and reducing PLP. Non-surgical options include pharmaceutical therapy, regional interventional techniques and behavioral therapies that can benefit certain patients. There is a growing evidence that neuromodulation at the spinal cord or the dorsal root ganglia and/or peripheral nerves can be an adjuvant therapy for PLP. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal approaches combining pharmacotherapy, surgery and invasive neuromodulation procedures would appear to be the most promising strategy for preventive and treating PLP and RLP. Future efforts should focus on cross-disciplinary education to increase awareness of treatment options exploring best practices for preventing pain at the time of amputation and enhancing treatment of chronic postamputation pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tolga Suvar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marco A Swanson
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mateusz J Graca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Timothy R Lubenow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert J McCarthy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Asokumar Buvanendran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David E Kurlander
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Sugawara AT, De Pretto LR, Simis M, Fregni F, Battistella LR. Primary Motor Area Activity in Phantom Limb Imagery of Traumatic Unilateral Lower Limb Amputees With Phantom Limb Pain. ADVANCES IN REHABILITATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 13:27536351241261023. [PMID: 39045264 PMCID: PMC11265251 DOI: 10.1177/27536351241261023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Estimates of the worldwide increase in amputees raises the awareness to solve long-standing problems. Understanding the functional brain modifications after a lower limb amputation (LLA) is one of the first steps towards proposing new rehabilitation approaches. Functional modifications in the central nervous system due the amputation could be involved in prosthesis use failures and Phantom Limb Pain (PLP), increasing costs and overwhelming the health services. Objective This study analyses orphan primary motor area (M1-Orphan) hemodynamic and metabolic behaviour, which previously controlled the limb that was amputated, in comparison with the M1-Preserved, responsible for the intact limb (IL) during phantom limb imagery moving during Mirror Therapy (MT), compared to Isolated Intact Limb Movement Task (I-ILMT). Methodology A case-control study with unilateral traumatic LLA with moderate PLP who measured [oxy-Hb] and [deoxy-Hb] in the M1 area by Functional Near InfraredSpectroscopy (fNIRS) during the real (I-ILMT) and MT task. Results Sixty-five patients, with 67.69% of men, young (40.32 ± 12.91), 65.63% amputated due motorcycle accidents, 4.71 ± 7.38 years ago, predominantly above the knee (57.14%). The M1 activation in the orphan cortex did not differ from the activation in the intact cortex during MT (P > .05). Conclusion The perception of the Phantom limb moving or intact limb moving is metabolically equivalent in M1, even in the absence of a limb. In other words, the amputation does not alter the brain metabolism in control of phantom movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Tadeu Sugawara
- Instituto de Medicina Fisica e Reabilitacao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Etica Medica e Medicina Social e do Trabalho, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ramos De Pretto
- Instituto de Medicina Fisica e Reabilitacao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute IPEN-CNEN/SP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Simis
- Instituto de Medicina Fisica e Reabilitacao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Linamara Rizzo Battistella
- Instituto de Medicina Fisica e Reabilitacao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Etica Medica e Medicina Social e do Trabalho, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Piterà P, Springhetti I, Alito A, Verme F, Fontana JM, Capodaglio P. Whole-Body Cryostimulation, a Complementary Treatment for Phantom Limb Syndrome: Preliminary Evidence from a Case Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:22. [PMID: 38256283 PMCID: PMC10821185 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a challenging condition affecting a significant proportion of amputees. In this article, we describe the case of a 54-year-old Paralympic athlete with phantom limb syndrome following right leg amputation and widespread sports-related enthesitic pain who underwent a whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) cycle, an emerging treatment known for its rapid pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Assessments were conducted before and after a 10-session WBC cycle, including pain and quality of life assessment and use of medications. A substantial reduction in enthesitic pain, PLP intensity, paresthesia, and tingling related to atmospheric events and improved function and quality of life were reported after the WBC cycle and lasted for two weeks. One month after WBC, the enthesitic pain following sports activity and PLP gradually returned, but with lesser intensity. Similarly, the stump's sensitivity to atmospheric changes returned, but with lower frequency. Pain at night remained lower than before WBC, with significantly improved quality of sleep. This case study suggests that WBC could be a valuable adjuvant treatment for alleviating PLP. Controlled studies are warranted to validate the findings of this case report and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of WBC in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Piterà
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (I.S.); (F.V.); (J.M.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Isabella Springhetti
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (I.S.); (F.V.); (J.M.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Angelo Alito
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Federica Verme
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (I.S.); (F.V.); (J.M.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Jacopo Maria Fontana
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (I.S.); (F.V.); (J.M.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (I.S.); (F.V.); (J.M.F.); (P.C.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Xiao S, Sun H, Zhu Y, Shen Z, Zhu X, Yao PA, Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu W, Wu Z, Sun J, Xu C, Du J, He X, Fang J, Shao X. Electroacupuncture alleviates the relapse of pain-related aversive memory by activating KOR and inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the insular cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10711-10721. [PMID: 37679857 PMCID: PMC10560575 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain-related aversive memory is common in chronic pain patients. Electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to block pain-related aversive memory. The insular cortex is a key region closely related to aversive behaviors. In our study, a potential mechanism underlying the effect of electroacupuncture treatment on pain-related aversive memory behaviors relative to the insular cortex was investigated. Our study used the chemogenetic method, pharmacological method, electroacupuncture intervention, and behavioral detection. Our study showed that both inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and activation of the kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex blocked the pain-related aversive memory behaviors induced by 2 crossover injections of carrageenan in mice; conversely, both the activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and inhibition of kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex play similar roles in inducing pain-related aversive memory behaviors following 2 crossover injections of carrageenan. In addition, activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the insular cortex reversed the effect of kappa opioid receptor activation in the insular cortex. Moreover, electroacupuncture effectively blocked pain-related aversive memory behaviors in model mice, which was reversed by both activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and inhibition of kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex. The effect of electroacupuncture on blocking pain-related aversive memory behaviors may be related to the activation of the kappa opioid receptor and inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the insular cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zui Shen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xixiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping-an Yao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zemin Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310060, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Junying Du
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Deng C, Li Q. Case report: A combination of mirror therapy and magnetic stimulation to the sacral plexus relieved phantom limb pain in a patient. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1187486. [PMID: 37304023 PMCID: PMC10251437 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1187486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common sequela of amputation, experienced by 50-80% of amputees. Oral analgesics as the first-line therapy have limited effects. Since PLP usually affects activities of daily living and the psychological conditions of patients, effective treatments are imperatively needed. In this case study, a 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of uncontrollable paroxysmal pain in his missing and residual leg. Due to severe injuries in a truck accident, the right lower limb of the patient was surgically amputated ~5 years ago. Around 1 month after amputation, he felt pain in his lost leg and PLP was diagnosed. Then, he started taking oral analgesics, but the pain still occurred. After admission on July 9, 2022, the patient received treatments of mirror therapy and magnetic stimulation to the sacral plexus. 1-month treatments reduced the frequency and intensity of pain in the phantom limb and the stump, without any adverse events. Analysis of high-resolution three-dimensional T1-weighted brain volume images at the end of 2-month treatments showed alterations in the thickness of cortex regions related to pain processing, compared to that before treatment. This case study gives us hints that one or both interventions of mirror therapy and sacral plexus magnetic stimulation effectively relieved PLP and stump limb pain. These non-invasive, low-cost and easily conducted treatments could be good options for PLP. But randomized controlled trials with a large number of cases are required to confirm their efficacy and safety.
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Pinto CB, Pacheco-Barrios K, Saleh Velez FG, Gunduz ME, Münger M, Fregni F. Detangling the Structural Neural Correlates Associated with Resting versus Dynamic Phantom Limb Pain Intensity Using a Voxel-based Morphometry Analysis. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:528-537. [PMID: 36583548 PMCID: PMC10406160 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The management of phantom limb pain (PLP) is still challenging due to a partial understanding of its neurophysiological mechanisms. Structural neuroimaging features are potential biomarkers. However, only a few studies assessed their correlations with clinical severity and treatment response. This study aims to explore the association between brain gray matter volume (GMV) with phantom limb manifestations severity and PLP improvement after neuromodulatory treatments (transcranial direct current stimulation and mirror therapy). Voxel-based morphometry analyses and functional decoding using a reverse inference term-based meta-analytic approach were used. We included 24 lower limb traumatic amputees with moderate to severe PLP. We found that alterations of cortical GMV were correlated with PLP severity but not with other clinical manifestations. Less PLP severity was associated with larger brain clusters GMV in the non-affected prefrontal, insula (non-affected mid-anterior region), and bilateral thalamus. However, only the insula cluster survived adjustments. Moreover, the reverse inference meta-analytic approach revealed that the found insula cluster is highly functionally connected to the contralateral insula and premotor cortices, and the decoded psychological processes related to this cluster were "rating," "sustained attention," "impulsivity, " and "suffering." Moreover, we found that responders to neuromodulatory treatment have higher GMV in somatosensory areas (total volume of S1 and S2) in the affected hemisphere at baseline, compared to non-responders, even after adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Faddi G Saleh Velez
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Muhammed E Gunduz
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Marionna Münger
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Corresponding author: Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 96 13th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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Arizona P, Yulianti E, Fithriyah I. Psychiatric Approach in Phantom Erection Postpenectomy Patient. Case Rep Psychiatry 2023; 2023:4113455. [PMID: 37032998 PMCID: PMC10081895 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4113455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Phantom limb pain is a pain sensation experienced in the area of the missing body part. The pain generally appears in the first few days after surgery. PLP could occur in teeth, tongue, breast, eyes, rectum, bladder, testicles, and penis. Phantom pain in the penis is not only felt as pain but sometimes as an erection or urination, even after the removal of the penis. Clinical Case. A 35-year-old man was referred to the psychiatrist due to phantom erection after undergoing reimplantation of the penis by the urologist. A few days before the referral, he was admitted to the emergency department after a penile amputation that his wife performed. During the recovery phase after the penile reimplantation procedure, the patient worried about his penis’ outcome and became depressed. The patient was in severe anxiety and moderate-to-severe depression status. Treatment. The patient was given nonpsychopharmacology such as supportive psychotherapy, family psychoeducation, relaxation and marital therapy, and psychopharmacology, such as amitriptyline 12.5 Mg PO two times a day and clobazam 10 Mg PO each day for 3 months. One and a half months later, his anxiety and depression were better. Conclusion. A psychiatric approach was needed in an amputated limb patient with psychopathologic symptoms. Nonpsychopharmacotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy were needed if the patient had symptoms. Further studies with a large number will be necessary to validate the psychiatric approach in amputated limb patients with psychopathologic symptoms cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Popy Arizona
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Erikavitri Yulianti
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Izzatul Fithriyah
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Valero EG, Acosta Acosta CDP, Vargas Useche W, Orozco Sandoval L, Seija-Butnaru D, Sánchez-Flórez JC, Linares Escobar R, Amaya S. Perioperative Management of Painful Phantom Limb Syndrome: A Narrative Review and Clinical Management Proposal. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36929710 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2023.2187005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Painful Phantom Limb Syndrome (PPLS) occurs in 50 to 80% of patients undergoing amputation, having a great impact on quality of life, productivity and psychosocial sphere. The objective of this review is to summarize the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, surgical optimization, and provide a multidisciplinary approach aimed at reducing the incidence of chronic pain associated with PPLS in patients undergoing limb amputation.Methods: A narrative review was carried out using Medline, Pubmed, Proquest, LILACS and Cochrane, searching for articles between 2000 and 2021. Articles describing the epidemiology, pathophysiological considerations, and current treatments were selected after a screening process.Results: A multidisciplinary and multimodal approach is required in PPLS, and should include the use of regional techniques, and adjuvants such as NSAIDs, ketamine, lidocaine and gabapentinoids. In addition, an evaluation and continuous management of risk factors for chronic pain in conjunction with the surgical team is necessary.Conclusion: The current literature does not support that a single technique is effective in the prevention of PPLS. However, adequate acute pain control, rehabilitation and early restoration of the body scheme under a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach have shown benefit in the acute setting.
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Wang J, Fan J, Gc R, Zhao J. Comparative Effects of Interventions on Phantom Limb Pain: A Network Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurg 2023; 170:e45-e56. [PMID: 36273725 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common type of chronic pain that occurs after limb amputation. Many treatment approaches are available; however, the treatment of PLP is still a challenge. This study aimed to quantify and rank the efficacy of interventions for phantom limb pain. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed using the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. A network meta-analysis was applied to formulate direct and indirect comparisons among interventions for PLP. RESULTS Twenty-two studies comprising 662 patients and 13 different interventions were included in this study. The mirror therapy (MT) (-1.00; 95% confidence interval, -1.94 to -0.07) and MT + phantom exercise (PE) (-6.05; 95% confidence interval, -8.29 to -3.81) group presented significantly lower pain intensity compared with placebo. In SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curve) analysis, the MT+PE and neuromodulation techniques groups had the highest SUCRA value (81.2). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that MT is the most optimal treatment for PLP, and a combination of therapies would enhance the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingyuan Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Raju Gc
- Department of Orthopedics, Mercy City Hospital, Butwol, Nepal
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Prophylactic Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces in Elective Lower Limb Amputations. Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki) 2022; 43:41-48. [PMID: 35451289 DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) is a relatively new surgical technique to manage neuromas and phantom pain after limb amputation. This study evaluates prophylactic RPNI efficacy in managing post-amputation pain and neuroma formation in amputees compared with patients in which lower limb amputation was performed without this procedure. We included 28 patients who underwent above the knee amputation (AKA) or below the knee amputation (BKA) for severe soft tissue infection from July 2019 till December 2020. All patients had insulin-dependent diabetes. The patients were divided into two groups, 14 patients with primary RPNI and 14 patients without. We analyzed the demographic data, level of amputation, number of RPNIs, operative time, postoperative complications and functional outcome on the defined follow up period. The mean patient age was 68.6 years (range 49-85), 19 (67.9 %) male and 9 (32.1 %) female patients. In this study 11 (39.3 %) AKA and 17 (60.7 %) BKA were performed. Overall, 37 RPNIs were made. The mean follow-up period was 49 weeks. PROMIS T-score decreased by 15.9 points in favor for the patients with RPNI. The VAS score showed that, in the RPNI group, all 14 patients were without pain compared to the group of patients without RPNI, where the 11 (78.6 %) patients described their pain as severe. Patients with RPNI used prosthesis significantly more (p < 0.005). Data showed significant reduction in pain and high patient satisfaction after amputation with RPNIs. This technique is oriented as to prevent neuroma formation with RPNI surgery, performed at the time of amputation. RPNI surgery did not provoke complications or significant lengthening of operative time and it should be furthermore exploited as a surgical technique.
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Garcia-Pallero MÁ, Cardona D, Rueda-Ruzafa L, Rodriguez-Arrastia M, Roman P. Central nervous system stimulation therapies in phantom limb pain: a systematic review of clinical trials. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:59-64. [PMID: 34100428 PMCID: PMC8451556 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phantom limb pain is a chronic pain syndrome that is difficult to cope with. Despite neurostimulation treatment is indicated for refractory neuropathic pain, there is scant evidence from randomized controlled trials to recommend it as the treatment choice. Thus, a systematic review was performed to analyze the efficacy of central nervous system stimulation therapies as a strategy for pain management in patients with phantom limb pain. A literature search for studies conducted between 1970 and September 2020 was carried out using the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Principles of The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline were followed. There were a total of 10 full-text articles retrieved and included in this review. Deep brain stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and motor cortex stimulation were the treatment strategies used in the selected clinical trials. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation were effective therapies to reduce pain perception, as well as to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in phantom limb pain patients. Conversely, invasive approaches were considered the last treatment option as evidence in deep brain stimulation and motor cortex stimulation suggests that the value of phantom limb pain treatment remains controversial. However, the findings on use of these treatment strategies in other forms of neuropathic pain suggest that these invasive approaches could be a potential option for phantom limb pain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Cardona
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Lola Rueda-Ruzafa
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology- CINBIO, University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodriguez-Arrastia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pre-Department of Nursing; Research Group CYS, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jaume I University, Castello de la Plana, Spain
| | - Pablo Roman
- Department of Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Bao B, Wei H, Luo P, Zhu H, Hu W, Sun Y, Shen J, Zhu T, Lin J, Huang T, Li J, Wang Z, Li Y, Zheng X. Parietal Lobe Reorganization and Widespread Functional Connectivity Integration in Upper-Limb Amputees: A rs-fMRI Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704079. [PMID: 34354568 PMCID: PMC8329664 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The right parietal lobe plays an important role in body image, and disorders of body image emerge after lesions in the parietal lobe or with parietal lobe epilepsy. Body image disorder also often accompanies upper-limb amputation, in which the patient misperceives that their missing limb is still part of their body. Cortical reorganization is known to occur after upper-limb amputation, but it is not clear how widespread and to what degree functional connectivity (FC) is reorganized post-amputation, nor whether such changes might be related to misperceptions of body image. Twenty-four subjects who had a traumatically upper-limb amputees (ULAs) and 24 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans. Regions of interest (ROIs) in the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG_R) and right inferior parietal lobule (IPL_R) were defined using BrainNet Viewer. We calculated the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in ROIs and correlated the ROI mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (mALFF) and mean scores on the phantom limb sensation (PLS) scale and beck depression index (BDI). We also calculated ROIs and whole-brain FC. Compared to the HC group, we observed significantly increased activation (mALFF) in ROIs of the ULA group. Moreover, correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between ROI mALFF and scores on the PLS. There was a significant negative correlation between the SPG_R mALFF and BDI scores. Seed-based, whole-brain FC analysis revealed that FC in the ULA group significantly decreased in many brain regions across the entire brain. The right parietal lobe appears to be involved in some aspect of body awareness and depression in amputation patients. Upper-limb amputation results not only in reorganization in the local brain area formerly representing the missing limb, but also results in more widespread reorganization through FC changes in whole brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbo Bao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Wei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengbo Luo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencheng Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Shen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhao Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqing Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengli Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyou Zheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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