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Merighi A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nociception, and Pain. Biomolecules 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38785946 PMCID: PMC11118093 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050539] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of synaptic transmission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy
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2
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Smith PA. BDNF in Neuropathic Pain; the Culprit that Cannot be Apprehended. Neuroscience 2024; 543:49-64. [PMID: 38417539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.020] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In males but not in females, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an obligatory role in the onset and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Afferent terminals of injured peripheral nerves release colony stimulating factor (CSF-1) and other mediators into the dorsal horn. These transform the phenotype of dorsal horn microglia such that they express P2X4 purinoceptors. Activation of these receptors by neuron-derived ATP promotes BDNF release. This microglial-derived BDNF increases synaptic activation of excitatory dorsal horn neurons and decreases that of inhibitory neurons. It also alters the neuronal chloride gradient such the normal inhibitory effect of GABA is converted to excitation. By as yet undefined processes, this attenuated inhibition increases NMDA receptor function. BDNF also promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from astrocytes. All of these actions culminate in the increase dorsal horn excitability that underlies many forms of neuropathic pain. Peripheral nerve injury also alters excitability of structures in the thalamus, cortex and mesolimbic system that are responsible for pain perception and for the generation of co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression. The weight of evidence from male rodents suggests that this preferential modulation of excitably of supra-spinal pain processing structures also involves the action of microglial-derived BDNF. Possible mechanisms promoting the preferential release of BDNF in pain signaling structures are discussed. In females, invading T-lymphocytes increase dorsal horn excitability but it remains to be determined whether similar processes operate in supra-spinal structures. Despite its ubiquitous role in pain aetiology neither BDNF nor TrkB receptors represent potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Smith
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Naik A, Bah M, Govande M, Palsgaard P, Dharnipragada R, Shaffer A, Air EL, Cramer SW, Croarkin PE, Arnold PM. Optimal Frequency in Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Management of Chronic Pain: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:e53-e64. [PMID: 38185460 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.010] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be effective for pain modulation in a variety of pathological conditions causing neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study is to conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized control trials to identify the most optimal frequency required to achieve chronic pain modulation using rTMS. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of rTMS for chronic pain management. A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a NMA was conducted to identify the most effective rTMS frequency for chronic pain management. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that high frequency rTMS (20 Hz) was the most effective frequency for chronic pain modulation. Patients treated with 20 Hz had lower pain levels than those treated at 5 Hz (mean difference [MD] = -3.11 [95% confidence interval {CI}: -5.61 - -0.61], P = 0.032) and control (MD = -1.99 [95% CI: -3.11 - -0.88], P = 0.023). Similarly, treatment with 10 Hz had lower pain levels compared to 5 Hz (MD = -2.56 [95% CI: -5.05 - -0.07], P = 0.045) and control (MD = -1.44 [95% CI: -2.52 - -0.36], P = 0.031). 20 Hz and 10 Hz were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS This NMA suggests that high frequency rTMS (20 Hz) is the most optimal frequency for chronic pain modulation. These findings have important clinical implications and can guide healthcare professionals in selecting the most effective frequency for rTMS treatment in patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Naik
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - Momodou Bah
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Mukul Govande
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Peggy Palsgaard
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Rajiv Dharnipragada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Annabelle Shaffer
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Ellen L Air
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Samuel W Cramer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul E Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul M Arnold
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Jin L, Wang H, Dong Y, Chen Q, Li L, Li Y. Choosing the optimal target area for repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients: a comparative analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1370420. [PMID: 38601340 PMCID: PMC11004227 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1370420] [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] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The specific target area of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI-NP) remains uncertain. Methods Thirty-four participants with SCI-NP were allocated into three groups, namely, the motor cortex (M1, A) group, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC, B) group, and the control (sham stimulation, C) group. The intervention was administered totally 10 times. Outcome measures assessed pre-(T0) and post-(T1)intervention, including Numerical Rating scale (NRS), anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), brief pain inventory (BPI), and impression of change. Results All outcomes in groups A and B significantly changed after intervention (p < 0.05), and the delta value (T1-T0) also significantly changed than group C (p < 0.05). The delta value of SDS in the group B was better than the group A, and the change of pain degree in the group B was moderately correlated with the change in PSQI (r = 0.575, p < 0.05). Both patients in the groups A and B showed significant impression of change about their received therapy (p < 0.05). Conclusion Both targets are effective, but LDLPFC is more effective in reducing depression in SCI-NP. Healthcare providers might select the suitable area according to the specific attributes of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haonan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Medicine, The Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Linrong Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Kim JK, You J, Son S, Suh I, Lim JY. Comparison of intermittent theta burst stimulation and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain: A sham-controlled study. J Spinal Cord Med 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37982995 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2277964] [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: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain with sham controls, using neuropathic pain-specific evaluation tools. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. SETTING Rehabilitation medicine department of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-three patients with spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups (real iTBS, real rTMS, and sham rTMS). Each patient underwent five sessions of assigned stimulation. OUTCOME MEASURES Before and after completion of the five sessions, patients were evaluated using the self-completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, Numeric Rating Scale, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, and Neuropathic Pain Scale. RESULTS Real iTBS and real rTMS reduced pain levels after stimulation according to all the evaluation tools, and the changes were significant when compared to the values of the sham rTMS group. No significant differences were found between the real iTBS and real rTMS groups. CONCLUSION Both iTBS and rTMS were effective in reducing spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain. When safety, convenience, and compliance are considered, iTBS would have an advantage over rTMS in clinical situations with spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain.Trial Registration: This trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (registration no. KCT0004976).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Keun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeIn You
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangpil Son
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - InHyuk Suh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Youb Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
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de Andrade DC, García-Larrea L. Beyond trial-and-error: Individualizing therapeutic transcranial neuromodulation for chronic pain. Eur J Pain 2023; 27:1065-1083. [PMID: 37596980 PMCID: PMC7616049 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the motor cortex provides supplementary relief for some individuals with chronic pain who are refractory to pharmacological treatment. As rTMS slowly enters treatment guidelines for pain relief, its starts to be confronted with challenges long known to pharmacological approaches: efficacy at the group-level does not grant pain relief for a particular patient. In this review, we present and discuss a series of ongoing attempts to overcome this therapeutic challenge in a personalized medicine framework. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT Relevant scientific publications published in main databases such as PubMed and EMBASE from inception until March 2023 were systematically assessed, as well as a wide number of studies dedicated to the exploration of the mechanistic grounds of rTMS analgesic effects in humans, primates and rodents. RESULTS The main strategies reported to personalize cortical neuromodulation are: (i) the use of rTMS to predict individual response to implanted motor cortex stimulation; (ii) modifications of motor cortex stimulation patterns; (iii) stimulation of extra-motor targets; (iv) assessment of individual cortical networks and rhythms to personalize treatment; (v) deep sensory phenotyping; (vi) personalization of location, precision and intensity of motor rTMS. All approaches except (i) have so far low or moderate levels of evidence. CONCLUSIONS Although current evidence for most strategies under study remains at best moderate, the multiple mechanisms set up by cortical stimulation are an advantage over single-target 'clean' drugs, as they can influence multiple pathophysiologic paths and offer multiple possibilities of individualization. SIGNIFICANCE Non-invasive neuromodulation is on the verge of personalised medicine. Strategies ranging from integration of detailed clinical phenotyping into treatment design to advanced patient neurophysiological characterisation are being actively explored and creating a framework for actual individualisation of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Luís García-Larrea
- University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- NeuroPain Lab, INSERM U1028, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Garcia-Larrea L. Non-invasive cortical stimulation for drug-resistant pain. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:142-149. [PMID: 37339516 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neuromodulation techniques are being increasingly used to alleviate pain and enhance quality of life. Non-invasive cortical stimulation was originally intended to predict the efficacy of invasive (neurosurgical) techniques, but has now gained a place as an analgesic procedure in its own right. RECENT FINDINGS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): Evidence from 14 randomised, placebo-controlled trials (~750 patients) supports a significant analgesic effect of high-frequency motor cortex rTMS in neuropathic pain. Dorsolateral frontal stimulation has not proven efficacious so far. The posterior operculo-insular cortex is an attractive target but evidence remains insufficient. Short-term efficacy can be achieved with NNT (numbers needed to treat) ~2-3, but long-lasting efficacy remains a challenge.Like rTMS, transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) induces activity changes in distributed brain networks and can influence various aspects of pain. Lower cost relative to rTMS, few safety issues and availability of home-based protocols are practical advantages. The limited quality of many published reports lowers the level of evidence, which will remain uncertain until more prospective controlled studies are available. SUMMARY Both rTMS and tDCS act preferentially upon abnormal hyperexcitable states of pain, rather than acute or experimental pain. For both techniques, M1 appears to be the best target for chronic pain relief, and repeated sessions over relatively long periods of time may be required to obtain clinically significant benefits. Patients responsive to tDCS may differ from those improved by rTMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Centre for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne
- University Hospital Pain Centre (CETD), Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Xu ML, Wu XB, Liang Y, Li N, Hu X, Lin XD, Sun MQ, Dai CQ, Niu D, Zhang YR, Cao H, Zhao CG, Sun XL, Yuan H. A Silver Lining of Neuropathic Pain: Predicting Favorable Functional Outcome in Spinal Cord Injury. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2619-2632. [PMID: 37533560 PMCID: PMC10390716 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s414638] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common and severe problem following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, its relationship with functional outcome remains unclear. Methods A retrospective explorative analysis was performed on SCI patients admitted to a tertiary academic medical center between January 2018 and June 2022. The candidate predictor variables, including demographics, clinical characteristics and complications, were analyzed with logistic and linear regression. Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores at discharge and mean relative functional gain (mRFG) of SCIM were as outcome parameters. Results A total of 140 SCI patients included for the final analysis. Among them, 44 (31.43%) patients were tetraplegics, and 96 (68.57%) patients were paraplegics; 68 (48.57%) patients developed NP, and 72 (51.43%) patients did not. Logistic and linear regression analyses of SCIM at discharge both showed that NP [OR=3.10, 95% CI (1.29,7.45), P=0.01; unstandardized β=11.47, 95% CI (4.95,17.99), P<0.01; respectively] was significantly independent predictors for a favorable outcome (SCIM at discharge ≥ 50, logistic regression results) and higher SCIM total score at discharge (linear regression results). Besides, NP [unstandardized β=15.67, 95% CI (8.94,22.41), P<0.01] was also independently associated with higher mRFG of SCIM scores. Furthermore, the NP group had significantly higher mRFG, SCIM total scores and subscales (self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility) at discharge compared to the non-NP group. However, there were no significant differences in mRFG, SCIM total score or subscales at discharge among the NP subgroups in terms of locations (at level pain, below level pain, and both) or timing of occurrence (within and after one month after SCI). This study also showed that incomplete injury, lumbar-sacral injury level and non-anemia were significantly independent predictors for a favorable outcome, and higher mRFG of SCIM scores (except for non-anemia). Conclusion NP appears independently associated with better functional recovery in SCI patients, suggesting the bright side of this undesirable complication. These findings may help to alleviate the psychological burden of NP patients and ultimately restore their confidence in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Lan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Bo Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Health Statistics, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Dong Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miao-Qiao Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Qiu Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Rong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen-Guang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Long Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Dong T, Li X, Zhao H, Yang L, Xu R, Fu Y, Li L, Gai X, Qin D. Research progress on the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: a narrative review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1219590. [PMID: 37533475 PMCID: PMC10392830 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1219590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to severe disability and complications. The incidence of SCI is high, and the rehabilitation cycle is long, which increases the economic burden on patients and the health care system. However, there is no practical method of SCI treatment. Recently, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been shown to induce changes in plasticity in specific areas of the brain by regulating the activity of neurons in the stimulation site and its functionally connected networks. TMS is a new potential method for the rehabilitation of SCI and its complications. In addition, TMS can detect the activity of neural circuits in the central nervous system and supplement the physiological evaluation of SCI severity. This review describes the pathophysiology of SCI as well as the basic principles and classification of TMS. We mainly focused on the latest research progress of TMS in the physiological evaluation of SCI as well as the treatment of motor dysfunction, neuropathic pain, spasticity, neurogenic bladder, respiratory dysfunction, and other complications. This review provides new ideas and future directions for SCI assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiahuang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mengzi People’s Hospital, Mengzi, China
| | - Huiyun Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dongchuan District People’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xuesong Gai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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Hu X, Xu W, Ren Y, Wang Z, He X, Huang R, Ma B, Zhao J, Zhu R, Cheng L. Spinal cord injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:245. [PMID: 37357239 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a severe condition with an extremely high disability rate. The challenges of SCI repair include its complex pathological mechanisms and the difficulties of neural regeneration in the central nervous system. In the past few decades, researchers have attempted to completely elucidate the pathological mechanism of SCI and identify effective strategies to promote axon regeneration and neural circuit remodeling, but the results have not been ideal. Recently, new pathological mechanisms of SCI, especially the interactions between immune and neural cell responses, have been revealed by single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis. With the development of bioactive materials and stem cells, more attention has been focused on forming intermediate neural networks to promote neural regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction than on promoting axonal regeneration in the corticospinal tract. Furthermore, technologies to control physical parameters such as electricity, magnetism and ultrasound have been constantly innovated and applied in neural cell fate regulation. Among these advanced novel strategies and technologies, stem cell therapy, biomaterial transplantation, and electromagnetic stimulation have entered into the stage of clinical trials, and some of them have already been applied in clinical treatment. In this review, we outline the overall epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCI, expound on the latest research progress related to neural regeneration and circuit reconstruction in detail, and propose future directions for SCI repair and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Ren
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaojie Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolie He
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Ma
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Zhao
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Liu JL, Wang S, Chen ZH, Wu RJ, Yu HY, Yang SB, Xu J, Guo YN, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng X, Ma YH, Gong YL, Wu CR, Zhang LX, Zeng YS, Lai BQ. The therapeutic mechanism of transcranial iTBS on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1153516. [PMID: 37388732 PMCID: PMC10306419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1153516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background After spinal cord transection injury, the inflammatory microenvironment formed at the injury site, and the cascade of effects generated by secondary injury, results in limited regeneration of injured axons and the apoptosis of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). It is crucial to reverse these adverse processes for the recovery of voluntary movement. The mechanism of transcranial intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) as a new non-invasive neural regulation paradigm in promoting axonal regeneration and motor function repair was explored by means of a severe spinal cord transection. Methods Rats underwent spinal cord transection and 2 mm resection of spinal cord at T10 level. Four groups were studied: Normal (no lesion), Control (lesion with no treatment), sham iTBS (lesion and no functional treatment) and experimental, exposed to transcranial iTBS, 72 h after spinal lesion. Each rat received treatment once a day for 5 days a week; behavioral tests were administered one a week. Inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neuroprotective effects, regeneration and synaptic plasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) were determined by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and mRNA sequencing. For each rat, anterograde tracings were acquired from the SMC or the long descending propriospinal neurons and tested for cortical motor evoked potentials (CMEPs). Regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve fibers were analyzed 10 weeks after SCI. Results When compared to the Control group, the iTBS group showed a reduced inflammatory response and reduced levels of neuronal apoptosis in the SMC when tested 2 weeks after treatment. Four weeks after SCI, the neuroimmune microenvironment at the injury site had improved in the iTBS group, and neuroprotective effects were evident, including the promotion of axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. After 8 weeks of iTBS treatment, there was a significant increase in CST regeneration in the region rostral to the site of injury. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the number of 5-HT nerve fibers at the center of the injury site and the long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT) fibers in the region caudal to the site of injury. Moreover, CMEPs and hindlimb motor function were significantly improved. Conclusion Neuronal activation and neural tracing further verified that iTBS had the potential to provide neuroprotective effects during the early stages of SCI and induce regeneration effects related to the descending motor pathways (CST, 5-HT and LDPT). Furthermore, our results revealed key relationships between neural pathway activation, neuroimmune regulation, neuroprotection and axonal regeneration, as well as the interaction network of key genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Rehabilitation Center, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng-Hong Chen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong-Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shang-Bin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Nan Guo
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Lai Gong
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuang-Ran Wu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xin Zhang
- Rehabilitation Center, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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12
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Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020258. [PMID: 36836613 PMCID: PMC9962564 DOI: 10.3390/life13020258] [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] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, affecting 6.9-10% of the general population, has a negative impact on patients' quality of life and potentially leads to functional impairment and disability. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)-a safe, indirect and non-invasive technique-has been increasingly applied for treating neuropathic pain. The mechanism underlying rTMS is not yet well understood, and the analgesic effects of rTMS have been inconsistent with respect to different settings/parameters, causing insufficient evidence to determine its efficacy in patients with neuropathic pain. This narrative review aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of rTMS for treating neuropathic pain as well as to summarize the treatment protocols and related adverse effects from existing clinical trials. Current evidence supports the use of 10 Hz HF-rTMS of the primary motor cortex to reduce neuropathic pain, especially in patients with spinal cord injury, diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. However, the lack of standardized protocols impedes the universal use of rTMS for neuropathic pain. rTMS was hypothesized to achieve analgesic effects by upregulating the pain threshold, inhibiting pain impulse, modulating the brain cortex, altering imbalanced functional connectivity, regulating neurotrophin and increasing endogenous opioid and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Further studies are warranted to explore the differences in the parameters/settings of rTMS for treating neuropathic pain due to different disease types.
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André-Obadia N, Hodaj H, Hodaj E, Simon E, Delon-Martin C, Garcia-Larrea L. Better Fields or Currents? A Head-to-Head Comparison of Transcranial Magnetic (rTMS) Versus Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Neuropathic Pain. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:207-219. [PMID: 36266501 PMCID: PMC10119368 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01303-x] [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] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) is now included in the armamentarium to treat chronic neuropathic pain (NP), direct-current anodal stimulation (a-tDCS) to the same cortical targets may represent a valuable alternative in terms of feasibility and cost. Here we performed a head-to-head, randomized, single-blinded, cross-over comparison of HF-rTMS versus a-tDCS over the motor cortex in 56 patients with drug-resistant NP, who received 5 daily sessions of each procedure, with a washout of at least 4 weeks. Daily scores of pain, sleep, and fatigue were obtained during 5 consecutive weeks, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to a motor task was performed in a subgroup of 31 patients. The percentage of responders, defined by a reduction in pain scores of > 2 SDs from pre-stimulus levels, was similar to both techniques (42.0% vs. 42.3%), while the magnitude of "best pain relief" was significantly skewed towards rTMS. Mean pain ratings in responders decreased by 32.6% (rTMS) and 29.6% (tDCS), with half of them being sensitive to only one technique. Movement-related fMRI showed significant activations in motor and premotor areas, which did not change after 5 days of stimulation, and did not discriminate responders from non-responders. Both HF-rTMS and a-tDCS showed efficacy at 1 month in drug-resistant NP, with magnitude of relief slightly favoring rTMS. Since a significant proportion of patients responded to one procedure only, both modalities should be tested before declaring a patient as unresponsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie André-Obadia
- Neurophysiology & Epilepsy Unit, Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron Cedex, France.
- University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
- NeuroPain Lab, INSERM U1028, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Hasan Hodaj
- Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Enkelejda Hodaj
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Inserm CIC1406, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Emile Simon
- University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- NeuroPain Lab, INSERM U1028, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgical Unit, Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Chantal Delon-Martin
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital P. Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- NeuroPain Lab, INSERM U1028, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CNRS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Liu J, Wang S, Chen Z, Wu R, Yu H, Yang S, Xu J, Guo Y, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng X, Ma Y, Gong Y, Wu C, Zhang L, Zeng Y, Lai B. Therapeutic mechanism of transcranial iTBS on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2026215/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: After spinal cord transection injury, the inflammatory microenvironment formed in the injury site and the cascade of secondary injury results in limited regeneration of injured axons and the apoptosis of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). It is crucial to reverse these adverse processes for the recovery of voluntary movement. In this study, transcranial intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) was used for the treatment of complete spinal cord transection in rats. The mechanism of transcranial iTBS as a new non-invasive neural regulation paradigm in promoting axonal regeneration and motor function repair was explored.
Methods: Rats from the iTBS group were treated with transcranial iTBS 72h after spinal cord injury (SCI). Each rat was received behavioral testing. Inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neuroprotective effect, regeneration and synaptic plasticity were measured by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and mRNA sequencing 2 or 4w after SCI. Each rat was received anterograde tracings in the SMC or the long descending propriospinal neurons and tested for motor evoked potentials. Regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve fibers were detected eight weeks after SCI.
Results: Compared with the control group and the sham iTBS group, rats of the iTBS group showed reduced inflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis in the SMC two weeks after treatment. After four weeks, the neuroimmune microenvironment at the injury site was improved, and neuroprotective effects were seen to promote axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. Significantly, eight weeks after treatment, transcranial iTBS also increased the regeneration of CST, 5-HT nerve fibers, and the long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT). Moreover, motor evoked potentials and hindlimb motor function were significantly improved at eight weeks.
Conclusions: Collectively, our results verified that iTBS has the potential to provide neuroprotective effects at early injury stages and pro-regeneration effects related to the 1) CST–5-HT; 2) CST–LDPT; and 3) CST–5-HT–LDPT descending motor pathways and revealed the relationships among neural pathway activation, neuroimmune regulation, neuroprotection, and axonal regeneration, as well as the interaction network of key genes. The proposed non-invasive transcranial iTBS treatment is expected to provide a serviceable practical and theoretical support for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Liu
- Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University
| | - Shuai Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,Guangzhou
| | - Zhenghong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,Guangzhou
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ge Li
- Guangdong Academy of Medical Science
| | | | - Yuanhuan Ma
- Guangzhou Institute of Clinical Medicine, South China University of Technology
| | - Yulai Gong
- Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital
| | | | - Lixin Zhang
- Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University
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15
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Almeida C, Monteiro-Soares M, Fernandes Â. Should Non-Pharmacological and Non-Surgical Interventions be Used to Manage Neuropathic Pain in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury? - A Systematic Review. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1510-1529. [PMID: 35417793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.03.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) results in a permanent or temporary alteration of the motor, sensory and/or autonomic functions, frequently leading to neuropathic pain. To deal with this comorbidity, several non-pharmacological and non-surgical (NP-NS) interventions have been developed. However, their efficacy is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to systematically synthetize the available evidence assessing the efficacy of NP-NS interventions for treating neuropathic pain in people with SCI. Thus, an electronic search was conducted in five databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and EBSCO) and trials registry databases, in addition to a manual search strategy to retrieve additional records. The review included randomized controlled trials with adults with SCI, in any stage of the condition. Data on the efficacy of the interventions was narratively synthetized. Once the research was completed, of 4853 identified references, 24 were included with a total of 653 participants with SCI and neuropathic pain, mostly male and with paraplegia. These studies investigated the effect of 13 types of NP-NS interventions with different protocols and methodological limitations. Seven different assessment scales were analyzed, with neuropathic pain being the primary outcome in 21 studies. Such high heterogeneity impaired the conduction of meta-analysis for any of the interventions. Although promising results were found regarding analgesic effect of NP-NS on neuropathic pain in people with SCI, it is not yet possible to safely state that these interventions are in fact effective. Further studies with homogeneous protocols and methodological quality are still needed. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents a review of existing studies on the effectiveness of NP-NS interventions in neuropathic pain in SCI. This synthesis could potentially alert and motivate clinicians to develop studies on this topic, so that interventions can be objectively evaluated and recommendations for an evidence-based practice be created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Almeida
- North Rehabilitation Center, V.N.Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, EPE, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; Polytechnic Institute of Porto, School of Health - ESS-P. PORTO, Scientific Area of Occupational Therapy, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Matilde Monteiro-Soares
- MEDCIDS - Departamento de Medicina da Comunidade Informação e Decisão em Saúde; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ângela Fernandes
- CIR - Center for Rehabilitation Research at Polytechnic Institute of Porto, School of Health - ESS-P. PORTO, Porto, Portugal
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16
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The Effectiveness of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Patients with Neuropathic Orofacial Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:6131696. [PMID: 36061584 PMCID: PMC9433245 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6131696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been widely used in the treatment of neuropathic orofacial pain (NOP). The consistency of its therapeutic efficacy with the optimal protocol is highly debatable. Objective To assess the effectiveness of rTMS on pain intensity, psychological conditions, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with NOP based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods We carefully screened and browsed 5 medical databases from inception to January 1, 2022. The study will be included that use of rTMS as the intervention for patients with NOP. Two researchers independently completed record retrieval, data processing, and evaluation of methodological quality. Quality and evidence were assessed using the PEDro scores and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results Six RCTs with 214 participants were included in this systematic review: 2 studies were considered level 1 evidence, and 4 were considered level 2 evidence. Six studies found that high-frequency rTMS had a pain-relieving effect, while 4 studies found no improvement in psychological conditions and QOL. Quality of evidence (GRADE system) ranged from moderate to high. No significant side effects were found. Conclusions There is moderate-to-high evidence to prove that high-frequency rTMS is effective in reducing pain in individuals with NOP, but it has no significant positive effect on psychological conditions and QOL. High-frequency rTMS can be used as an alternative treatment for pain in individuals with NOP, but further studies will be conducted to unify treatment parameters, and the sample size will be expanded to explore its influence on psychological conditions and QOL.
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Strand N, J M, Tieppo Francio V, M M, Turkiewicz M, El Helou A, M M, S C, N S, J P, C W. Advances in Pain Medicine: a Review of New Technologies. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:605-616. [PMID: 35904729 PMCID: PMC9334973 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This narrative review highlights the interventional musculoskeletal techniques that have evolved in recent years. Recent Findings The recent progress in pain medicine technologies presented here represents the ideal treatment of the pain patient which is to provide personalized care. Advances in pain physiology research and pain management technologies support each other concurrently. Summary As new technologies give rise to new perspectives and understanding of pain, new research inspires the development of new technologies
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Strand
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA. .,NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA. .,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Maloney J
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Vinicius Tieppo Francio
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS1046, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Murphy M
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS1046, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | | | - Antonios El Helou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Maita M
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Covington S
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Singh N
- OrthoAlabama Spine and Sports, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peck J
- Performing Arts Medicine Department, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA
| | - Wie C
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Brihmat N, Bayram MB, Allexandre D, Saleh S, Yue GH, Guan X, Zhong J, Forrest GF. High-Frequency rTMS Combined with Task-Specific Hand Motor Training Modulates Corticospinal Plasticity in Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A case report. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:2385-2389. [PMID: 36085970 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since its first use in spinal cord injury (SCI) in the early 2000s [1], high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) demonstrated a capacity to modulate corticospinal excitability (CSE) and motor performance. Studies focused on individuals with incomplete SCI. Here, we examined the feasibility of a 15-day therapeutic stimulation protocol combining HF-rTMS with task-specific motor training targeting the weaker hand in an individual with early chronic complete SCI. In this case report, we present evidence of progressive increase of CSE at rest and during muscle activation, and decreased cortical inhibition, associated with a trend toward improvement in pinch function of the weaker hand. These promising findings need to be confirmed in a larger population. Clinical Relevance- These preliminary results are promising and demonstrate the importance of a large number of training session repetitions to induce consistent changes relevant to the recovery after a complete SCI.
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Tomeh A, Yusof Khan AHK, Inche Mat LN, Basri H, Wan Sulaiman WA. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex beyond Motor Rehabilitation: A Review of the Current Evidence. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060761. [PMID: 35741646 PMCID: PMC9221422 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a novel technique to stimulate the human brain through the scalp. Over the years, identifying the optimal brain region and stimulation parameters has been a subject of debate in the literature on therapeutic uses of repetitive TMS (rTMS). Nevertheless, the primary motor cortex (M1) has been a conventional target for rTMS to treat motor symptoms, such as hemiplegia and spasticity, as it controls the voluntary movement of the body. However, with an expanding knowledge base of the M1 cortical and subcortical connections, M1-rTMS has shown a therapeutic efficacy that goes beyond the conventional motor rehabilitation to involve pain, headache, fatigue, dysphagia, speech and voice impairments, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, disorders of consciousness, anxiety, depression, and bladder dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence on using M1-rTMS to treat non-motor symptoms of diverse etiologies and discuss the potential mechanistic rationale behind the management of each of these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhameed Tomeh
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.T.); (A.H.K.Y.K.); (L.N.I.M.); (H.B.)
| | - Abdul Hanif Khan Yusof Khan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.T.); (A.H.K.Y.K.); (L.N.I.M.); (H.B.)
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Liyana Najwa Inche Mat
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.T.); (A.H.K.Y.K.); (L.N.I.M.); (H.B.)
| | - Hamidon Basri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.T.); (A.H.K.Y.K.); (L.N.I.M.); (H.B.)
| | - Wan Aliaa Wan Sulaiman
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.T.); (A.H.K.Y.K.); (L.N.I.M.); (H.B.)
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-9769-5560
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20
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Yang QH, Zhang YH, Du SH, Wang YC, Fang Y, Wang XQ. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Central Neuropathic Pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:879909. [PMID: 35663263 PMCID: PMC9162797 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.879909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The research and clinical application of the noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) are increasing. In this review article, we outline the effectiveness and limitations of the NIBS approach in treating common central neuropathic pain (CNP). This article summarizes the research progress of NIBS in the treatment of different CNPs and describes the effects and mechanisms of these methods on different CNPs. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) analgesic research has been relatively mature and applied to a variety of CNP treatments. But the optimal stimulation targets, stimulation intensity, and stimulation time of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for each type of CNP are still difficult to identify. The analgesic mechanism of rTMS is similar to that of tDCS, both of which change cortical excitability and synaptic plasticity, regulate the release of related neurotransmitters and affect the structural and functional connections of brain regions associated with pain processing and regulation. Some deficiencies are found in current NIBS relevant studies, such as small sample size, difficulty to avoid placebo effect, and insufficient research on analgesia mechanism. Future research should gradually carry out large-scale, multicenter studies to test the stability and reliability of the analgesic effects of NIBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Fang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Fang,
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopaedic Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Xue-Qiang Wang,
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21
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Saleh C, Ilia TS, Jaszczuk P, Hund-Georgiadis M, Walter A. Is transcranial magnetic stimulation as treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury efficient? A systematic review. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:3007-3018. [PMID: 35239053 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-05978-0] [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] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuropathic pain is a clinically relevant complication in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pharmacological pain treatment is often insufficient and leads to undesirable side effects. Thus, alternative therapeutic approaches such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are of critical importance. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS in neuropathic pain secondary to SCI. METHODS We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycInfo (via OVID) database up April 2021. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Results regarding the pain intensity scores were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS The search identified a total of 203 potential articles. Of these, eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis providing the total data of 141 patients. All studies applied high-frequency rTMS. In seven studies, rTMS was applied over the motor cortex, and in one study over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Five studies reported a significant improvement in baseline pain scores after treatment, and three studies found a significant difference between sham vs. non-sham stimulation at any time. Six RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis and showed a significant overall reduction of pain intensity in the rTMS groups compared with the sham groups (mean difference - 0.81, 95%CI - 1.45 to - 0.17). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that high-frequency rTMS of the primary motor cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex might be promising stimulation targets for neuropathic pain in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Saleh
- Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Im Burgfelderhof 40, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tatiani Soultana Ilia
- Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Im Burgfelderhof 40, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Phillip Jaszczuk
- Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Im Burgfelderhof 40, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Margret Hund-Georgiadis
- Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Im Burgfelderhof 40, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Walter
- Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Im Burgfelderhof 40, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland.
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22
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Brihmat N, Allexandre D, Saleh S, Zhong J, Yue GH, Forrest GF. Stimulation Parameters Used During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Recovery and Corticospinal Excitability Modulation in SCI: A Scoping Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:800349. [PMID: 35463922 PMCID: PMC9033167 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.800349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in non-invasive stimulation interventions as treatment strategies to improve functional outcomes and recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuromodulatory intervention which has the potential to reinforce the residual spinal and supraspinal pathways and induce plasticity. Recent reviews have highlighted the therapeutic potential and the beneficial effects of rTMS on motor function, spasticity, and corticospinal excitability modulation in SCI individuals. For this scoping review, we focus on the stimulation parameters used in 20 rTMS protocols. We extracted the rTMS parameters from 16 published rTMS studies involving SCI individuals and were able to infer preliminary associations between specific parameters and the effects observed. Future investigations will need to consider timing, intervention duration and dosage (in terms of number of sessions and number of pulses) that may depend on the stage, the level, and the severity of the injury. There is a need for more real vs. sham rTMS studies, reporting similar designs with sufficient information for replication, to achieve a significant level of evidence regarding the use of rTMS in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Brihmat
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Didier Allexandre
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Soha Saleh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Jian Zhong
- Burke Neurological Institute and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, United States
| | - Guang H. Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Gail F. Forrest
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Gail F. Forrest
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23
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Garcia-Larrea L, Quesada C. Cortical stimulation for chronic pain: from anecdote to evidence. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:290-305. [PMID: 35343176 PMCID: PMC9980528 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.22.07411-1] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Epidural stimulation of the motor cortex (eMCS) was devised in the 1990's, and has now largely supplanted thalamic stimulation for neuropathic pain relief. Its mechanisms of action involve activation of multiple cortico-subcortical areas initiated in the thalamus, with involvement of endogenous opioids and descending inhibition toward the spinal cord. Evidence for clinical efficacy is now supported by at least seven RCTs; benefits may persist up to 10 years, and can be reasonably predicted by preoperative use of non-invasive repetitive magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS first developed as a means of predicting the efficacy of epidural procedures, then as an analgesic method on its own right. Reasonable evidence from at least six well-conducted RCTs favors a significant analgesic effect of high-frequency rTMS of the motor cortex in neuropathic pain (NP), and less consistently in widespread/fibromyalgic pain. Stimulation of the dorsolateral frontal cortex (DLPFC) has not proven efficacious for pain, so far. The posterior operculo-insular cortex is a new and attractive target but evidence remains inconsistent. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is applied upon similar targets as rTMS and eMCS; it does not elicit action potentials but modulates the neuronal resting membrane state. tDCS presents practical advantages including low cost, few safety issues, and possibility of home-based protocols; however, the limited quality of most published reports entails a low level of evidence. Patients responsive to tDCS may differ from those improved by rTMS, and in both cases repeated sessions over a long time may be required to achieve clinically significant relief. Both invasive and non-invasive procedures exert their effects through multiple distributed brain networks influencing the sensory, affective and cognitive aspects of chronic pain. Their effects are mainly exerted upon abnormally sensitized pathways, rather than on acute physiological pain. Extending the duration of long-term benefits remains a challenge, for which different strategies are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Center for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France - .,University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France -
| | - Charles Quesada
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Center for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.,Department of Physiotherapy, Sciences of Rehabilitation Institute (ISTR), University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
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Huang M, Luo X, Zhang C, Xie YJ, Wang L, Wan T, Chen R, Xu F, Wang JX. Effects of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex versus motor cortex in patients with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053476. [PMID: 35277402 PMCID: PMC8919439 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain is one of the common complications of spinal cord injuries (SCI), which will slow down the recovery process and result in lower quality of life. Previous studies have shown that repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex (M1) can reduce the average pain and the most severe pain of neuropathic pain after SCI. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) area is a common target of rTMS. Recently, a few studies found that rTMS of DLPFC may relieve the neuropathic pain of SCI. Compared with the M1 area, the efficacy of rTMS treatment in the DLPFC area in improving neuropathic pain and pain-related symptoms in patients with SCI is still unclear. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the non-inferiority of rTMS in the DLPFC vs M1 in patients with neuropathic pain after SCI, in order to provide more options for rTMS in treating neuropathic pain after SCI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will recruit 50 subjects with neuropathic pain after SCI. They will be randomly assigned to the DLPFC- rTMS and M1-rTMS groups and be treated with rTMS for 4 weeks. Except for the different stimulation sites, the rTMS treatment programmes of the two groups are the same: 10 Hz, 1250 pulses, 115% intensity threshold, once a day, five times a week for 4 weeks. VAS, simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire, Spinal Cord Injury Pain Date Set, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Hamilton Anxiety Scale will be evaluated at baseline, second week of treatment, fourth week of treatment and 4 weeks after the end of treatment. And VAS change will be calculated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University has approved this trial, which is numbered KY2020041. Written informed consent will be provided to all participants after verification of the eligibility criteria. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000032362.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maomao Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Neurological Disease and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu-Jie Xie
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tenggang Wan
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruyan Chen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fangyuan Xu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Neurological Disease and Brain Function, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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25
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Zhao CG, Ju F, Sun W, Jiang S, Xi X, Wang H, Sun XL, Li M, Xie J, Zhang K, Xu GH, Zhang SC, Mou X, Yuan H. Effects of Training with a Brain-Computer Interface-Controlled Robot on Rehabilitation Outcome in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:679-695. [PMID: 35174449 PMCID: PMC9095806 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is always associated with a difficult functional recovery process. A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology which provides a direct connection between the human brain and external devices. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether training with a BCI-controlled robot can improve functions in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS Subacute stroke patients aged 32-68 years with a course of 2 weeks to 3 months were randomly assigned to the BCI group or to the sham group for a 4-week course. The primary outcome measures were Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOCTA) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). Secondary outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Balance (FMA-B), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and motor-evoked potential (MEP). RESULTS A total of 28 patients completed the study. Both groups showed a significant increase in mean LOCTA (sham: P < 0.001, Cohen's d = - 2.972; BCI: P < 0.001, Cohen's d = - 4.266) and FMA-LE (sham: P < 0.001, Cohen's d = - 3.178; BCI: P < 0.001, Cohen's d = - 3.063) scores. The LOCTA scores in the BCI group were 14.89% higher than in the sham group (P = 0.049, Cohen's d = - 0.580). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of FMA-B (P = 0.363, Cohen's d = - 0.252), FAC (P = 0.363), or MBI (P = 0.493, Cohen's d = - 0.188) scores. The serum levels of BDNF were significantly higher within the BCI group (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = - 1.167), and the MEP latency decreased by 3.75% and 4.71% in the sham and BCI groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Training with a BCI-controlled robot combined with traditional physiotherapy promotes cognitive function recovery, and enhances motor functions of the lower extremity in patients with subacute stroke. These patients also showed increased secretion of BDNF. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR-INR-17012874.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Guang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fen Ju
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Xi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Long Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Xie
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guang-Hua Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Si-Cong Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiang Mou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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26
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Li L, Huang H, Yu Y, Jia Y, Liu Z, Shi X, Wang F, Zhang T. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:800560. [PMID: 35221889 PMCID: PMC8873374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.800560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury and compare the effects of two different NIBS. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effect of NIBS on NP after spinal cord injury (SCI) were retrieved from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CBM from inception to September 2021. The quality of the trials was assessed, and the data were extracted according to the Cochrane handbook of systematic review. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata (version 16) and R software (version 4.0.2). Results A total of 17 studies involving 507 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that NIBS could reduce the pain score (SMD = −0.84, 95% CI −1.27 −0.40, P = 0.00) and the pain score during follow-up (SMD = −0.32, 95%CI −0.57 −0.07, P = 0.02), and the depression score of the NIBS group was not statistically significant than that of the control group (SMD = −0.43, 95%CI −0.89–0.02, P = 0.06). The network meta-analysis showed that the best probabilistic ranking of the effects of two different NIBS on the pain score was repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) (P = 0.62) > transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (P = 0.38). Conclusion NIBS can relieve NP after SCI. The effect of rTMS on NP is superior to that of tDCS. We suggest that the rTMS parameters are 80–120% resting motion threshold and 5–20 Hz, while the tDCS parameters are 2 mA and 20 min. However, it is necessary to carry out more large-scale, multicenter, double-blind, high-quality RCT to explore the efficacy and mechanism of NIBS for NP after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Li
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hailiang Huang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Hailiang Huang
| | - Ying Yu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqi Jia
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyao Liu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Shi
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fangqi Wang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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Malfitano C, Rossetti A, Scarano S, Malloggi C, Tesio L. Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Acute Central Post-stroke Pain: A Case Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:742567. [PMID: 34858311 PMCID: PMC8631781 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.742567] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although rare, central post-stroke pain remains one of the most refractory forms of neuropathic pain. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been reported to be effective in chronic cases. However, there are no data on the effects in the acute and subacute phases after stroke. In this study, we present a case of a patient with thalamic stroke with acute onset of pain and paresthesia who was responsive to rTMS. After a right thalamic stroke, a 32-year-old woman presented with drug-resistant pain and paresthesia on the left side of the body. There were no motor or sensory deficits, except for blunted thermal sensation and allodynia on light touch. Ten daily sessions were performed, where 10 Hz rTMS was applied to the hand area of the right primary motor cortex, 40 days after stroke. Before rTMS treatment (T0), immediately after treatment conclusion (T1), and 1 month after treatment (T2), three pain questionnaires were administered, and cortical responses to single and paired-pulse TMS were assessed. Eight healthy participants served as controls. At T0, when the patient was experiencing the worst pain, the excitability of the ipsilesional motor cortex was reduced. At T1 and T2, the pain scores and paresthesia' spread decreased. The clinical improvement was paralleled by the recovery in motor cortex excitability of the affected hemisphere, in terms of both intra- and inter-hemispheric connections. In this subacute central post-stroke pain case, rTMS treatment was associated with decreased pain and motor cortex excitability changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Malfitano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Rossetti
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Scarano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Malloggi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Tesio
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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28
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Analgesic Effects of Navigated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Acute Central Poststroke Pain. Pain Ther 2021; 10:1085-1100. [PMID: 33866522 PMCID: PMC8586137 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Central poststroke pain (CPSP) develops commonly after stroke, which impairs the quality of life, mood, and social functioning. Current pharmacological approaches for the treatment of CPSP are not satisfactory. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive technique which has been recommended for the treatment of chronic CPSP. However, few studies have evaluated the analgesic effects of rTMS in patients with acute neuropathic pain after stroke. METHODS We evaluated the analgesic effects of rTMS applied over the upper extremity area of the motor cortex (M1) in patients with acute CPSP. Forty patients were randomized to receive either rTMS (10 Hz, 2000 stimuli) (n = 20) or a sham intervention (n = 20) for 3 weeks. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2, Chinese version), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were analyzed at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. RESULTS Significant treatment-time interactions were found for pain intensity. Compared with the sham group, the NRS and SF-MPQ-2 scores were significantly lower on the seventh day of treatment in the rTMS group (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.302) (P = 0.003, Cohen's d = 0.771), and this effect lasted until the third week (P = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.860) (P = 0.027, Cohen's d = 0.550). The HAM-A and HAM-D scores did not change in the rTMS group when compared with the sham group (P = 0.341, Cohen's d = 0.224) (P = 0.356, Cohen's d = 0.217). The serum BDNF levels were significantly higher in the treated group (P = 0.048, Cohen's d = -0.487), and the resting motor threshold (RMT) decreased by 163.65%. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that rTMS applied over the upper extremity area of the motor cortex can effectively alleviate acute CPSP, possibly by influencing cortical excitability and serum BDNF secretion. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry of China: Reg. No. ChiCTR-INR-17012880.
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29
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Jiang X, Yan W, Wan R, Lin Y, Zhu X, Song G, Zheng K, Wang Y, Wang X. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neuropathic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:130-141. [PMID: 34826512 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain condition caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuroregulatory tool that uses pulsed magnetic fields to modulate the cerebral cortex. This review aimed to ascertain the therapeutic effect of rTMS on NP and potential factors regulating the therapeutic effect of rTMS. Database search included Web of Science, Embase, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2021. Eligible studies included randomized controlled studies of the analgesic effects of rTMS in patients with NP. Thirty-eight studies were included. Random effect analysis showed effect sizes of -0.66 (95 % CI, -0.87 to -0.46), indicating that real rTMS was better than sham condition in reducing pain (P < 0.001). This comprehensive review indicated that stimulation frequency, intervention site, and location of lesion were important factors affecting the therapeutic effect. The findings of this study may guide clinical decisions and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Jiang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangwang Yan
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihan Wan
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Song
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangyong Zheng
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopaedic Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Song CG, Shi XJ, Jiang B, Shi R, Guo X, Qi S, Li L. Successful treatment of the Meige's syndrome with navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: A case report. Brain Stimul 2021; 15:96-98. [PMID: 34800698 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Song
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Rui Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shun Qi
- Neural Regulation Lab of Brain Science and Humanoid Intelligence Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Brain-Control Brain Science Research Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Vis Clinic, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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31
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and blocks the information flow between the peripheral nerve and the brain, resulting in autonomic function loss. Numerous studies have explored the effects of obstructed information flow on brain structure and function and proved the extensive plasticity of the brain after SCI. Great progress has also been achieved in therapeutic strategies for SCI to restore the "re-innervation" of the cerebral cortex to the limbs to some extent. Although no thorough research has been conducted, the changes of brain structure and function caused by "re-domination" have been reported. This article is a review of the recent research progress on local structure, functional changes, and circuit reorganization of the cerebral cortex after SCI. Alterations of structure and electrical activity characteristics of brain neurons, features of brain functional reorganization, and regulation of brain functions by reconfigured information flow were also explored. The integration of brain function is the basis for the human body to exercise complex/fine movements and is intricately and widely regulated by information flow. Hence, its changes after SCI and treatments should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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