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De Schoenmacker I, Costa Marques D, Scheuren PS, Lütolf R, Gorrell LM, Mehli SC, Curt A, Rosner J, Hubli M. Novel neurophysiological evidence for preserved pain habituation across chronic pain conditions. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 166:31-42. [PMID: 39094528 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate whether subjective and objective measures of pain habituation can be used as potential markers for central sensitization across various chronic pain patients. METHODS Two blocks of contact-heat stimuli were applied to a non-painful area in 93 chronic pain patients (low back pain, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome) and 60 healthy controls (HC). Habituation of pain ratings, contact-heat evoked potentials (CHEP), and sympathetic skin responses (SSR) was measured. RESULTS There was no significant difference in any measure of pain habituation between patients and HC. Even patients with apparent clinical signs of central sensitization showed no reduced pain habituation. However, prolonged baseline CHEP and SSR latencies (stimulation block 1) were found in patients compared to HC (CHEP: Δ-latency = 23 ms, p = 0.012; SSR: Δ-latency = 100 ms, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION Given the performed multimodal neurophysiological testing protocol, we provide evidence indicating that pain habituation may be preserved in patients with chronic pain and thereby be of limited use as a sensitive marker for central sensitization. These results are discussed within the framework of the complex interactions between pro- and antinociceptive mechanism as well as methodological issues. The prolonged latencies of CHEP and SSR after stimulation in non-painful areas may indicate subclinical changes in the integrity of thermo-nociceptive afferents, or a shift towards antinociceptive activity. This shift could potentially affect the relay of ascending signals. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings challenge the prevailing views in the literature and may encourage further investigations into the peripheral and central components of pain habituation, using advanced multimodal neurophysiological techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara De Schoenmacker
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - David Costa Marques
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paulina S Scheuren
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robin Lütolf
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lindsay M Gorrell
- Integrative Spinal Research Group, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah C Mehli
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michèle Hubli
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Allmendinger F, Scheuren PS, De Schoenmacker I, Brunner F, Rosner J, Curt A, Hubli M. Contact-Heat Evoked Potentials: Insights into Pain Processing in CRPS Type I. J Pain Res 2024; 17:989-1003. [PMID: 38505501 PMCID: PMC10949273 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s436645] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of chronic pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are diverse and involve both peripheral and central changes in pain processing, such as sensitization of the nociceptive system. The aim of this study was to objectively distinguish the specific changes occurring at both peripheral and central levels in nociceptive processing in individuals with chronic CRPS type I. Patients and Methods Nineteen individuals with chronic CRPS type I and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All individuals underwent a clinical examination and pain assessment in the most painful limb, the contralateral limb, and a pain-free control area to distinguish between peripheral and central mechanisms. Contact-heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) were recorded after heat stimulation of the three different areas and amplitudes and latencies were analyzed. Additionally, quantitative sensory testing (QST) was performed in all three areas. Results Compared to HC, CHEP amplitudes in CRPS were only increased after stimulation of the painful area (p=0.025), while no increases were observed for the pain-free control area (p=0.14). None of the CHEP latencies were different between the two cohorts (all p>0.23). Furthermore, individuals with CRPS showed higher pain ratings after stimulation of the painful limb compared to their contralateral limb (p=0.013). Lastly, compared to HC, mechanical (p=0.012) and thermal (p=0.046) sensitivity was higher in the painful area of the CRPS cohort. Conclusion This study provides neurophysiological evidence supporting an intact thermo-nociceptive pathway with signs of peripheral sensitization, such as hyperexcitable primary afferent nociceptors, in individuals with CRPS type I. This is further supported by the observation of mechanical and thermal gain of sensation only in the painful limb. Additionally, the increased CHEP amplitudes might be related to fear-induced alterations of nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Allmendinger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Simonne Scheuren
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iara De Schoenmacker
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Brunner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Hubli
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rebhorn C, Dimova V, Birklein F. [Complex regional pain syndrome-An update]. Schmerz 2022; 36:141-149. [PMID: 35316391 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-022-00641-1] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a pain disorder that develops in the hands or feet after injury. Currently, two types are differentiated, CRPS I without and CRPS II with nerve lesions as well as with either an initially warm or an initially cold subtype, depending on the clinical symptoms. After trauma a certain amount of inflammatory reaction is considered physiological. In acute CRPS this inflammation persists for months and is maintained by diverse inflammatory mediators in peripheral tissue and in blood. This persisting inflammation leads to a sensitization of the nociceptive system, causes somatic cells to proliferate and gives rise to a disrupted endothelial function. The treatment concept aims to antagonize the pathophysiologic components and includes anti-inflammatory and analgetic treatment, mobilization and restoration of the sensorimotor function of the affected limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Rebhorn
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - Violeta Dimova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Frank Birklein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
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4
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Rebhorn C, Dimova V, Birklein F. [Complex regional pain syndrome-An update]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 92:1075-1083. [PMID: 34542658 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a pain disorder that develops in the hands or feet after injury. Currently, two types are differentiated, CRPS I without and CRPS II with nerve lesions as well as with either an initially warm or an initially cold subtype, depending on the clinical symptoms. After trauma a certain amount of inflammatory reaction is considered physiological. In acute CRPS this inflammation persists for months and is maintained by diverse inflammatory mediators in peripheral tissue and in blood. This persisting inflammation leads to a sensitization of the nociceptive system, causes somatic cells to proliferate and gives rise to a disrupted endothelial function. The treatment concept aims to antagonize the pathophysiologic components and includes anti-inflammatory and analgetic treatment, mobilization and restoration of the sensorimotor function of the affected limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Rebhorn
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - Violeta Dimova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Frank Birklein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
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Habig K, Lautenschläger G, Maxeiner H, Birklein F, Krämer HH, Seddigh S. Low mechano-afferent fibers reduce thermal pain but not pain intensity in CRPS. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:272. [PMID: 34243742 PMCID: PMC8268451 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human hairy (not glabrous skin) is equipped with a subgroup of C-fibers, the C-tactile (CT) fibers. Those do not mediate pain but affective aspects of touch. CT-fiber-activation reduces experimental pain if they are intact. In this pilot study we investigated pain modulating capacities of CT-afferents in CRPS. Methods 10 CRPS-patients (mean age 33 years, SEM 3.3) and 11 healthy controls (mean age 43.2 years, SEM 3.9) participated. CT-targeted-touch (brush stroking, velocity: 3 cm/s) was applied on hairy and glabrous skin on the affected and contralateral limb. Patients rated pleasantness of CT-targeted-touch (anchors: 1 “not pleasant”—4 “very pleasant”) twice daily on 10 days. Pain intensity (NRS: 0 “no pain” – 10 “worst pain imaginable”) was assessed before, 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after each CT-stimulation. To assess sensory changes, quantitative-sensory-testing was performed at the beginning and the end of the trial period. Results CT-targeted-touch was felt more pleasant on the healthy compared to the affected limb on hairy (p < 0.001) and glabrous skin (p 0.002), independent of allodynia. In contrast to healthy controls patients felt no difference between stimulating glabrous and hairy skin on the affected limb. Thermal pain thresholds increased after CT-stimulation on the affected limb (cold-pain-threshold: p 0.016; heat-pain-threshold: p 0.033). Conclusions CT-stimulation normalizes thermal pain thresholds but has no effect on the overall pain in CRPS. Therefore, pain modulating properties of CT-fibers might be too weak to alter chronic pain in CRPS. Moreover, CT-fibers appear to lose their ability to mediate pleasant aspects of touch in CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Habig
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | | | - Hagen Maxeiner
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Birklein
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 56101, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heidrun H Krämer
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susann Seddigh
- Department of Neurology, BG Klinikum Duisburg, 47249, Duisburg, Germany
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Lenoir D, Willaert W, Coppieters I, Malfliet A, Ickmans K, Nijs J, Vonck K, Meeus M, Cagnie B. Electroencephalography During Nociceptive Stimulation in Chronic Pain Patients: A Systematic Review. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 21:3413-3427. [PMID: 32488229 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With its high temporal resolution, electroencephalography (EEG), a technique that records electrical activity of cortical neuronal cells, is a potentially suitable technique to investigate human somatosensory processing. By using EEG, the processing of (nociceptive) stimuli can be investigated, along with the functionality of the nociceptive pathway. Therefore, it can be applied in chronic pain patients to objectify whether changes have occurred in nociceptive processing. Typically, so-called event-related potential (ERP) recordings are used, where EEG signals are recorded in response to specific stimuli and characterized by latency and amplitude. OBJECTIVE To summarize whether differences in somatosensory processing occur between chronic pain patients and healthy controls, measured with ERPs, and determine whether this response is related to the subjective pain intensity. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING AND METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were consulted, and 18 case-control studies were finally included. SUBJECTS The chronic pain patients suffered from tension-type headache, back pain, migraine, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, prostatitis, or complex regional pain syndrome. RESULTS Chronic neuropathic pain patients showed increased latencies of the N2 and P2 components, along with a decreased amplitude of the N2-P2 complex, which was also obtained in FM patients with small fiber dysfunction. The latter also showed a decreased amplitude of the N2-P3 and N1-P1 complex. For the other chronic pain patients, the latencies and the amplitudes of the ERP components did not seem to differ from healthy controls. One paper indicated that the N2-P3 peak-to-peak amplitude correlates with the subjective experience of the stimulus. CONCLUSIONS Differences in ERPs with healthy controls can mostly be found in chronic pain populations that suffer from neuropathic pain or where fiber dysfunction is present. In chronic pain populations with other etiological mechanisms, limited differences were found or agreed upon across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorine Lenoir
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.,Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ward Willaert
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.,Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Iris Coppieters
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Malfliet
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Kelly Ickmans
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.,Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo Nijs
- Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy (KIMA), Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Pain in Motion International Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Kristl Vonck
- Department of Neurology, 4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mira Meeus
- Pain in Motion International Research Group.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy - MOVANT Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Van Assche DCF, Plaghki L, Masquelier E, Hatem SM. Fibromyalgia syndrome—A laser‐evoked potentials study unsupportive of small nerve fibre involvement. Eur J Pain 2019; 24:448-456. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leon Plaghki
- Institute of Neuroscience Université catholique de Louvain Brussels Belgium
| | - Etienne Masquelier
- Institute of Neuroscience Université catholique de Louvain Brussels Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center CHU UCL Namur, site Godinne Yvoir Belgium
| | - Samar M. Hatem
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Brugmann University Hospital Brussels Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience Université catholique de Louvain Brussels Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
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Abstract
The acute phase of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is pathophysiologically characterized by an activation of the immune system and its associated inflammatory response. During the course of CRPS, central nervous symptoms like mechanical hyperalgesia, loss of sensation, and body perception disorders develop. Psychological factors such as pain-related anxiety and traumatic events might have a negative effect on the treatment outcome. While the visible inflammatory symptoms improve, the pain often persists. A stage adapted, targeted treatment could improve the prognosis. Effective multidisciplinary treatment includes the following: pharmacotherapy with steroids, bisphosphonates, or dimethylsulfoxide cream (acute phase), and antineuropathic analgesics (all phases); physiotherapy and behavioral therapy for pain-related anxiety and avoidance of movement; and interventional treatment like spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation if noninvasive options failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Dimova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - F Birklein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101, Mainz, Deutschland
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Dhopte A, Patil S, Barde N, Thakre R, Harsh S, Nisal S. Sympathetic dysfunction dermatitis in a revascularised upper extremity after near-total amputation - A case report and review of literature. Indian J Plast Surg 2019; 51:327-330. [PMID: 30983736 PMCID: PMC6440340 DOI: 10.4103/ijps.ijps_135_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Commonly reported complications after revascularisation or replantation of extremity are vascular thrombosis leading to complete or partial failure, bony non-union or malunion, joint stiffness and incomplete or abnormal sensory recovery. Sympathetic dysfunction dermatitis is an unreported complication after revascularisation or replantation surgery which results due to denervation of the extremity. We report a case of a young adult who developed eczematous dermatitis over the revascularised upper limb and discuss the role of sympathetic dysfunction in the development of these skin lesions. The patient was successfully treated with a short course of oral and topical steroids. Sympathetic dysfunction dermatitis is a rare form of skin eruptions occurring in the revascularised or replanted part of an extremity due to abnormal sympathetic function in the affected part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Dhopte
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Surendra Patil
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nitin Barde
- Department of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rupesh Thakre
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shree Harsh
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shailesh Nisal
- Consultant Plastic surgeon, Sparsh Clinics, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Wittayer M, Dimova V, Birklein F, Schlereth T. Correlates and importance of neglect-like symptoms in complex regional pain syndrome. Pain 2018; 159:978-986. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Birklein F, Dimova V. Complex regional pain syndrome-up-to-date. Pain Rep 2017; 2:e624. [PMID: 29392238 PMCID: PMC5741324 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) was described for the first time in the 19th century by Silas Weir Mitchell. After the exclusion of other causes, CRPS is characterised by a typical clinical constellation of pain, sensory, autonomic, motor, or trophic symptoms which can no longer be explained by the initial trauma. These symptoms spread distally and are not limited to innervation territories. If CRPS is not improved in the acute phase and becomes chronic, the visible symptoms change throughout because of the changing pathophysiology; the pain, however, remains. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, although in complex cases further technical examination mainly for exclusion of alternative diagnoses is warranted. In the initial phase, the pathophysiology is dominated by a posttraumatic inflammatory reaction by the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system. In particular, without adequate treatment, central nociceptive sensitization, reorganisation, and implicit learning processes develop, whereas the inflammation moderates. The main symptoms then include movement disorders, alternating skin temperature, sensory loss, hyperalgesia, and body perception disturbances. Psychological factors such as posttraumatic stress or pain-related fear may impact the course and the treatability of CRPS. The treatment should be ideally adjusted to the pathophysiology. Pharmacological treatment maybe particularly effective in acute stages and includes steroids, bisphosphonates, and dimethylsulfoxide cream. Common anti-neuropathic pain drugs can be recommended empirically. Intravenous long-term ketamine administration has shown efficacy in randomised controlled trials, but its repeated application is demanding and has side effects. Important components of the treatment include physio- and occupational therapy including behavioural therapy (eg, graded exposure in vivo and graded motor imaging). If psychosocial comorbidities exist, patients should be appropriately treated and supported. Invasive methods should only be used in specialised centres and in carefully evaluated cases. Considering these fundamentals, CRPS often remains a chronic pain disorder but the devastating cases should become rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Birklein
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Violeta Dimova
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Omori S, Isose S, Misawa S, Watanabe K, Sekiguchi Y, Shibuya K, Beppu M, Amino H, Kuwabara S. Pain-related evoked potentials after intraepidermal electrical stimulation to Aδ and C fibers in patients with neuropathic pain. Neurosci Res 2017; 121:43-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
The redefinition of neuropathic pain as “pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system,” which was suggested by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) in 2008, has been widely accepted. In contrast, the proposed grading system of possible, probable, and definite neuropathic pain from 2008 has been used to a lesser extent. Here, we report a citation analysis of the original NeuPSIG grading paper of 2008, followed by an analysis of its use by an expert panel and recommendations for an improved grading system. As of February, 2015, 608 eligible articles in Scopus cited the paper, 414 of which cited the neuropathic pain definition. Of 220 clinical studies citing the paper, 56 had used the grading system. The percentage using the grading system increased from 5% in 2009 to 30% in 2014. Obstacles to a wider use of the grading system were identified, including (1) questions about the relative significance of confirmatory tests, (2) the role of screening tools, and (3) uncertainties about what is considered a neuroanatomically plausible pain distribution. Here, we present a revised grading system with an adjusted order, better reflecting clinical practice, improvements in the specifications, and a word of caution that even the “definite” level of neuropathic pain does not always indicate causality. In addition, we add a table illustrating the area of pain and sensory abnormalities in common neuropathic pain conditions and propose areas for further research.
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Morgante F, Naro A, Terranova C, Russo M, Rizzo V, Risitano G, Girlanda P, Quartarone A. Normal sensorimotor plasticity in complex regional pain syndrome with fixed posture of the hand. Mov Disord 2016; 32:149-157. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Morgante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale; Università di Messina; Messina Italy
| | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”; Messina Italy
| | - Carmen Terranova
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale; Università di Messina; Messina Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale; Università di Messina; Messina Italy
| | - Giovanni Risitano
- Unità Funzionale di Ortopedia e Traumatologia; Casa di Cura “Cappellani-GIOMI”; Messina Italy
| | - Paolo Girlanda
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale; Università di Messina; Messina Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences, and Morphological and Functional Images; University of Messina; Messina Italy
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Cruccu G, Garcia-Larrea L, Hansson P, Keindl M, Lefaucheur JP, Paulus W, Taylor R, Tronnier V, Truini A, Attal N. EAN guidelines on central neurostimulation therapy in chronic pain conditions. Eur J Neurol 2016; 23:1489-99. [PMID: 27511815 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our aim was to update previous European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines on neurostimulation for neuropathic pain, expanding the search to new techniques and to chronic pain conditions other than neuropathic pain, and assessing the evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials published between 2006 and December 2014 was conducted. Pain conditions included neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I and post-surgical chronic back and leg pain (CBLP). Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), epidural motor cortex stimulation (MCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct electrical stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were assessed. The GRADE system was used to assess quality of evidence and propose recommendations. RESULTS The following recommendations were reached: 'weak' for SCS added to conventional medical management in diabetic painful neuropathy, CBLP and CRPS, for SCS versus reoperation in CBLP, for MCS in neuropathic pain, for rTMS of M1 in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia and for tDCS of M1 in neuropathic pain; 'inconclusive' for DBS in neuropathic pain, rTMS and tDCS of the DLPFC, and for motor cortex tDCS in fibromyalgia and spinal cord injury pain. CONCLUSIONS Given the poor to moderate quality of evidence identified by this review, future large-scale multicentre studies of non-invasive and invasive neurostimulation are encouraged. The collection of higher quality evidence of the predictive factors for the efficacy of these techniques, such as the duration, quality and severity of pain, is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cruccu
- EAN Scientific Panel Pain, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Garcia-Larrea
- NeuroPain Laboratory, INSERM U1028, Hôpital Neurologique and University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - P Hansson
- EAN Scientific Panel Pain, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pain Management and Research, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - M Keindl
- Department for Clinical Neurosciences and Preventive Medicine, Danube University, Krems, Austria
| | - J-P Lefaucheur
- EA4391, Department of Physiology, Henri Mondor Hospital, University Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - W Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Sweden
| | - R Taylor
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - V Tronnier
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,IASP Special Interest Group on Neuromodulation, Washington, USA
| | - A Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - N Attal
- EAN Scientific Panel Pain, Vienna, Austria. .,INSERM U-987, Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt and Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France.
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Abstract
Research into complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has made significant progress. First, there was the implementation of the official IASP "Budapest" diagnostic criteria. It would be desirable to also define exclusion and outcome criteria that should be reported in studies. The next step was to recognize the complex pathophysiology. After trauma, some inflammation is physiological; in acute CRPS, this inflammation persists for months. There is an abundance of inflammatory and a lack of anti-inflammatory mediators. This proinflammatory network (cytokines and probably also other mediators) sensitizes the peripheral and spinal nociceptive system, it facilitates the release of neuropeptides from nociceptors inducing the visible signs of inflammation, and it stimulates bone cell or fibroblast proliferation, and endothelial dysfunction leading to vascular changes. Trauma may also expose nervous system structures to the immune system and triggers autoantibodies binding to adreno- and acetylcholine receptors. In an individual time frame, the pain in this inflammatory phase pushes the transition into "centralized" CRPS, which is dominated by neuronal plasticity and reorganization. Sensory-motor integration becomes disturbed, leading to a loss of motor function; the body representation is distorted leading to numbness and autonomic disturbances. In an attempt to avoid pain, patients neglect their limb and learn maladaptive nonuse. The final step will be to assess large cohorts and to analyze these data together with data from public resources using a bioinformatics approach. We could then develop diagnostic toolboxes for individual pathophysiology and select focused treatments or develop new ones.
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Plazier M, Ost J, Snijders E, Gilbers M, Vancamp T, De Ridder D, Vanneste S. Laser-Evoked Potentials in Fibromyalgia: The Influence of Greater Occipital Nerve Stimulation on Cerebral Pain Processing. Neuromodulation 2015; 18:376-83. [PMID: 25996805 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculo-skeletal pain in the four quadrants of the body. Greater occipital nerve stimulation has recently shown beneficial effects in fibromyalgia patients on pain, fatigue, and mood disorders. Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) are used for research to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain and to evaluate the effects of pain treatment. In fibromyalgia patients, LEPs tend to have a higher N2 amplitude, a tendency to shorter latencies, and patients have a lower pain threshold. Greater occipital nerve stimulation might exert a modulation of the medial pain pathways processing the affective motivational components of pain (unpleasantness) as well as the descending pain inhibitory pathways (reducing pain), both of which are contributing to the N2P2 peak. MATERIALS AND METHODS To test this hypothesis, the authors performed LEPs in a group of fibromyalgia patients with and without greater occipital nerve stimulation. RESULTS Occipital nerve stimulation does not alter the amplitudes of the LEP recordings, although a significant difference in latencies can be seen. More specifically, latencies of the N2P2 increased in the condition after stimulation, and especially at the Pz electrode. CONCLUSION Our results suggest Occipital Nerve Stimulation (ONS) induces a modification of the balance between antinociceptive pain inhibitory pathways and pain-provoking pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Plazier
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan Ost
- BRAI2N, Sint Augustinus Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Erwin Snijders
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Martijn Gilbers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tim Vancamp
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Dirk De Ridder
- BRAI2N, Sint Augustinus Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.,BRAI2N, Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sven Vanneste
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
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Voluntary pressing and releasing actions induce different senses of time: evidence from event-related brain responses. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6047. [PMID: 25116363 PMCID: PMC4131218 DOI: 10.1038/srep06047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing intervals initiated by voluntary pressing actions are subjectively compressed compared with those initiated by voluntary releasing actions. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were employed in the present study to uncover the temporal mechanisms underlying this temporal illusion. The results revealed that the mean amplitude of the P1 component over the frontal-central recording sites, but not the P2 component, was larger in the voluntary pressing condition than in the voluntary releasing condition at the time perception stage. In the fronto-central region, increases in oscillatory activities of delta-theta frequency range (1-7 Hz) were found in the voluntary pressing condition, which corresponded with the emergence of the P1 peak. In addition, the P1 amplitude was negatively related to the corresponding reported time length at the single-trial level. These results are discussed in terms of the functional role of the response-locked P1 in the time perception stage.
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Arle JE, Carlson KW, Mei L, Iftimia N, Shils JL. Mechanism of dorsal column stimulation to treat neuropathic but not nociceptive pain: analysis with a computational model. Neuromodulation 2014; 17:642-55; discussion 655. [PMID: 24750347 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stimulation of axons within the dorsal columns of the human spinal cord has become a widely used therapy to treat refractory neuropathic pain. The mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated and may even be contrary to standard "gate control theory." Our hypothesis is that a computational model provides a plausible description of the mechanism by which dorsal column stimulation (DCS) inhibits wide dynamic range (WDR) cell output in a neuropathic model but not in a nociceptive pain model. MATERIALS AND METHODS We created a computational model of the human spinal cord involving approximately 360,000 individual neurons and dendritic processing of some 60 million synapses--the most elaborate dynamic computational model of the human spinal cord to date. Neuropathic and nociceptive "pain" signals were created by activating topographically isolated regions of excitatory interneurons and high-threshold nociceptive fiber inputs, driving analogous regions of WDR neurons. Dorsal column fiber activity was then added at clinically relevant levels (e.g., Aβ firing rate between 0 and 110 Hz by using a 210-μsec pulse width, 50-150 Hz frequency, at 1-3 V amplitude). RESULTS Analysis of the nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and modulated circuits shows that, in contradiction to gate control theory, 1) nociceptive and neuropathic pain signaling must be distinct, and 2) DCS neuromodulation predominantly affects the neuropathic signal only, inhibiting centrally sensitized pathological neuron groups and ultimately the WDR pain transmission cells. CONCLUSION We offer a different set of necessary premises than gate control theory to explain neuropathic pain inhibition and the relative lack of nociceptive pain inhibition by using retrograde DCS. Hypotheses regarding not only the pain relief mechanisms of DCS were made but also regarding the circuitry of pain itself, both nociceptive and neuropathic. These hypotheses and further use of the model may lead to novel stimulation paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey E Arle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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