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Rogers ER, Capogrosso M, Lempka SF. Biophysics of Frequency-Dependent Variation in Paresthesia and Pain Relief during Spinal Cord Stimulation. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2199232024. [PMID: 38744531 PMCID: PMC11211721 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2199-23.2024] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurophysiological effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain are poorly understood, resulting in inefficient failure-prone programming protocols and inadequate pain relief. Nonetheless, novel stimulation patterns are regularly introduced and adopted clinically. Traditionally, paresthetic sensation is considered necessary for pain relief, although novel paradigms provide analgesia without paresthesia. However, like pain relief, the neurophysiological underpinnings of SCS-induced paresthesia are unknown. Here, we paired biophysical modeling with clinical paresthesia thresholds (of both sexes) to investigate how stimulation frequency affects the neural response to SCS relevant to paresthesia and analgesia. Specifically, we modeled the dorsal column (DC) axonal response, dorsal column nucleus (DCN) synaptic transmission, conduction failure within DC fiber collaterals, and dorsal horn network output. Importantly, we found that high-frequency stimulation reduces DC fiber activation thresholds, which in turn accurately predicts clinical paresthesia perception thresholds. Furthermore, we show that high-frequency SCS produces asynchronous DC fiber spiking and ultimately asynchronous DCN output, offering a plausible biophysical basis for why high-frequency SCS is less comfortable and produces qualitatively different sensation than low-frequency stimulation. Finally, we demonstrate that the model dorsal horn network output is sensitive to SCS-inherent variations in spike timing, which could contribute to heterogeneous pain relief across patients. Importantly, we show that model DC fiber collaterals cannot reliably follow high-frequency stimulation, strongly affecting the network output and typically producing antinociceptive effects at high frequencies. Altogether, these findings clarify how SCS affects the nervous system and provide insight into the biophysics of paresthesia generation and pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan R Rogers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Marco Capogrosso
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
- Rehab and Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Scott F Lempka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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2
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Pahapill PA, Arocho-Quinones EV, Chen G, Swearingen B, Tomas CW, Koch KM, Nencka AS. Distinct Functional Connectivity Patterns for Intermittent Vs Constant Neuropathic Pain Phenotypes in Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2 Patients. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1453-1460. [PMID: 38628431 PMCID: PMC11020324 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s426640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic low back pain (cLBP) has been associated with alterations in brain functional connectivity (FC) but based upon heterogeneous populations and single network analyses. Our goal is to study a more homogeneous cLBP population and focus on multiple cross-network (CN) connectivity analysis. We hypothesize that within this population: 1) altered CN FC, involving emotion and reward/aversion functions are related to their pain levels and 2) altered relationships are dependent upon pain phenotype (constant neuropathic vs intermittent pain). Methods In this case series, resting state fcMRI scans were obtained over a study duration of 60 months from 23 patients (13 constant neuropathic and 10 intermittent pain) with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome (PSPS Type 2) being considered for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy at a single academic center. Images were acquired using a Discovery MR750 GE scanner. During the resting state acquisitions, they were asked to close their eyes and relax. The CN analysis was performed on 7 brain networks and compared to age-matched controls. Linear regression was used to test the correlation between CN connectivity and pain scores. Results CN FC involving emotion networks (STM: striatum network index) was significantly lower than controls in all patients, regardless of pain phenotype (P < 0.003). Pain levels were positively correlated with emotional FC for intermittent pain but negatively correlated for constant pain. Conclusion This is the first report of 1) altered CN FC involving emotion/reward brain circuitry in 2) a homogeneous population of cLBP patients with 3) two different pain phenotypes (constant vs intermittent) in PSPS Type 2 patients being considered for SCS. FC patterns were altered in cLBP patients as compared to controls and were characteristic for each pain phenotype. These data support fcMRI as a potential and objective tool in assessing pain levels in cLBP patients with different pain phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Pahapill
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Brad Swearingen
- Center for Neuroimaging, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Carissa W Tomas
- Center for Neuroimaging, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kevin M Koch
- Center for Neuroimaging, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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3
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Atilgan H, Doody M, Oliver DK, McGrath TM, Shelton AM, Echeverria-Altuna I, Tracey I, Vyazovskiy VV, Manohar SG, Packer AM. Human lesions and animal studies link the claustrum to perception, salience, sleep and pain. Brain 2022; 145:1610-1623. [PMID: 35348621 PMCID: PMC9166552 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The claustrum is the most densely interconnected region in the human brain. Despite the accumulating data from clinical and experimental studies, the functional role of the claustrum remains unknown. Here, we systematically review claustrum lesion studies and discuss their functional implications. Claustral lesions are associated with an array of signs and symptoms, including changes in cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities; electrical activity; mental state; and sleep. The wide range of symptoms observed following claustral lesions do not provide compelling evidence to support prominent current theories of claustrum function such as multisensory integration or salience computation. Conversely, the lesions studies support the hypothesis that the claustrum regulates cortical excitability. We argue that the claustrum is connected to, or part of, multiple brain networks that perform both fundamental and higher cognitive functions. As a multifunctional node in numerous networks, this may explain the manifold effects of claustrum damage on brain and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huriye Atilgan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Max Doody
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - David K. Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Thomas M. McGrath
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Andrew M. Shelton
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | - Irene Tracey
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital and Merton College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Sanjay G. Manohar
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Adam M. Packer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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4
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Reining M, Winkler D, Boettcher J, Meixensberger J, Kretzschmar M. Magnetic resonance imaging scans in patients with dorsal root ganglion stimulation. Pain Pract 2021; 21:924-933. [PMID: 34398496 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients fitted with a neurostimulator face a greater need to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Given the lack of literature in this regard, this study aims to review our experience with MRI examinations on patients implanted with a dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) system and their potential adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the prospective treatment documentation gathered from November 2011 to October 2020. We identified 259 MRI registrations for patients with an implanted neurostimulation system; the MRI examinations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla MRI system in accordance with a structured scheme. RESULTS Among the 259 MRI registrations identified in this study, 28 corresponded to patients with an implanted DRG-S system. In 2 cases, no MRI scan was performed, and thus, only 26 MRI examinations were evaluated in detail. The DRG-S device was approved for the requested MRI scans in only 2 of these 26 cases (7.7%). In addition, 2 minor adverse events (syncopal episode and connection problem) were identified, and only the second problem (3.8%) was related to neurostimulator operation. CONCLUSIONS Necessary MRI examinations in patients with DRG-S systems are rarely covered by the European CE/US Food and Drug Administration (CE/FDA) approval. Although the manufacturer recommendations are against the use of MRI in patients with implanted DRG-S in certain conditions, we performed these scans without causing injury to the patient or damaging the device. Given that data on safety are limited, MRIs should be conducted study related. We provide recommendations for the procedure that should be followed when an MRI is needed urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Reining
- Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera, Gera, Germany
| | - Dirk Winkler
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Kretzschmar
- Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera, Gera, Germany.,SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Campus Gera, Gera, Germany
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5
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Knotkova H, Hamani C, Sivanesan E, Le Beuffe MFE, Moon JY, Cohen SP, Huntoon MA. Neuromodulation for chronic pain. Lancet 2021; 397:2111-2124. [PMID: 34062145 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00794-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuromodulation is an expanding area of pain medicine that incorporates an array of non-invasive, minimally invasive, and surgical electrical therapies. In this Series paper, we focus on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies discussed within the framework of other invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. These therapies include deep brain and motor cortex stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and the non-invasive treatments of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. SCS methods with electrical variables that differ from traditional SCS have been approved. Although methods devoid of paraesthesias (eg, high frequency) should theoretically allow for placebo-controlled trials, few have been done. There is low-to-moderate quality evidence that SCS is superior to reoperation or conventional medical management for failed back surgery syndrome, and conflicting evidence as to the superiority of traditional SCS over sham stimulation or between different SCS modalities. Peripheral nerve stimulation technologies have also undergone rapid development and become less invasive, including many that are placed percutaneously. There is low-to-moderate quality evidence that peripheral nerve stimulation is effective for neuropathic pain in an extremity, low quality evidence that it is effective for back pain with or without leg pain, and conflicting evidence that it can prevent migraines. In the USA and many areas in Europe, deep brain and motor cortex stimulation are not approved for chronic pain, but are used off-label for refractory cases. Overall, there is mixed evidence supporting brain stimulation, with most sham-controlled trials yielding negative findings. Regarding non-invasive modalities, there is moderate quality evidence that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation does not provide meaningful benefit for chronic pain in general, but conflicting evidence regarding pain relief for neuropathic pain and headaches. For transcranial direct current stimulation, there is low-quality evidence supporting its benefit for chronic pain, but conflicting evidence regarding a small treatment effect for neuropathic pain and headaches. For transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, there is low-quality evidence that it is superior to sham or no treatment for neuropathic pain, but conflicting evidence for non-neuropathic pain. Future research should focus on better evaluating the short-term and long-term effectiveness of all neuromodulation modalities and whether they decrease health-care use, and on refining selection criteria and treatment variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Knotkova
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, NY, USA; Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eellan Sivanesan
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Marc A Huntoon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Feng H, Doherty P, Rotte A, Bovinet C. Amelioration of lower limb pain and foot drop with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation: A case series. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211005954. [PMID: 34024183 PMCID: PMC8150420 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211005954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited treatment options for patients with foot drop and associated lower back and/or leg pain. We present a case series of three patients who received permanent implantation of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (10 kHz SCS) devices. Following treatment, all patients reported sustained improvements in lower back and leg pain, foot mechanics and function which resulted in increased mobility and cessation of opioid use for pain management. Patients were followed up for approximately four years. Treatment with 10 kHz SCS may be a promising alternative to other interventional procedures commonly used for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Feng
- Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Yale New Haven Healthcare, New London, CT, USA
| | - Patrick Doherty
- Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Yale New Haven Healthcare, New London, CT, USA
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7
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Gupta M, Knezevic NN, Abd-Elsayed A, Ray M, Patel K, Chowdhury B. Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy-A Narrative Review of Pharmacological and Interventional Approaches. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050573. [PMID: 34069494 PMCID: PMC8161066 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that is associated with a significant decline in quality of life. Like other painful neuropathic conditions, PDN is difficult to manage clinically, and a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are available for this condition. Recommended pharmacotherapies include anticonvulsive agents, antidepressant drugs, and topical capsaicin; and tapentadol, which combines opioid agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, has also recently been approved for use. Additionally, several neuromodulation therapies have been successfully used for pain relief in PDN, including intrathecal therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Recently, 10 kHz SCS has been shown to provide clinically meaningful pain relief for patients refractory to conventional medical management, with a subset of patients demonstrating improvement in neurological function. This literature review is intended to discuss the dosage and prospective data associated with pain management therapies for PDN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Gupta
- Kansas Pain Management & Neuroscience Research Center, Overland Park, KS 66201, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA;
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53715, USA;
| | - Mahoua Ray
- Kansas Pain Management & Neuroscience Research Center, Overland Park, KS 66201, USA;
| | - Kiran Patel
- Department of Pain Management, Spine and Pain Institute of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Bhavika Chowdhury
- Department of Endocrinology, Saint Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, KS 66213, USA;
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8
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Paz-Solís J, Thomson S, Jain R, Chen L, Huertas I, Doan Q. Exploration of High and Low Frequency Options for Subperception Spinal Cord Stimulation Using Neural Dosing Parameter Relationships: The HALO Study. Neuromodulation 2021; 25:94-102. [PMID: 33951270 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Subperception spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is described mostly utilizing waveforms that require high energy. However, the necessity of these waveforms for effective subperception has not been established. We aimed to explore whether effective subperception pain relief can be achieved using frequencies below 1 kHz. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty chronic pain patients implanted with SCS were enrolled as part of a multicenter, real-world, consecutive, observational case series. An effective stimulation location was determined using a novel electric field shape designed to preferentially modulate dorsal horn elements. Subsequently, programs at lower frequencies (600, 400, 200, 100, 50, and 10 Hz) were provided with pulse-width and amplitude adjusted to optimize response. RESULTS All tested frequencies (1 kHz down to 10 Hz) provided effective subperception relief, yielding a mean of 66-72% reduction in back, leg, and overall pain. It was found that to maintain analgesia, as frequency was decreased, the electrical or "neural" dose had to be adjusted according to parameter relationships described herein. With the reduction of frequency, we observed a net reduction of charge-per-second, which enabled energy savings of 74% (200 Hz) and 97% (10 Hz) relative to 1 kHz. Furthermore, pain reduction was sustained out to one year, with 85% of patients reporting a preference for frequencies of 400 Hz or below. CONCLUSIONS We have derived an electric field configuration and, along with previous learnings in the kHz range, a set of neural dosing parameter relationships (10-10,000 Hz), which enable the expansion of effective subperception SCS to low frequency and achieve major energy savings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Thomson
- Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, Basildon, UK
| | - Roshini Jain
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Clinical and R&D departments, Valencia, California, USA
| | - Lilly Chen
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Clinical and R&D departments, Valencia, California, USA
| | - Ismael Huertas
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Clinical and R&D departments, Valencia, California, USA
| | - Que Doan
- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Clinical and R&D departments, Valencia, California, USA
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9
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Current Understanding of the Involvement of the Insular Cortex in Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052648. [PMID: 33808020 PMCID: PMC7961886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is difficult to cure and is often accompanied by emotional and psychological changes. Exploring the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain will help to identify a better treatment for this condition. The insular cortex is an important information integration center. Numerous imaging studies have documented increased activity of the insular cortex in the presence of neuropathic pain; however, the specific role of this region remains controversial. Early studies suggested that the insular lobe is mainly involved in the processing of the emotional motivation dimension of pain. However, increasing evidence suggests that the role of the insular cortex is more complex and may even be related to the neural plasticity, cognitive evaluation, and psychosocial aspects of neuropathic pain. These effects contribute not only to the development of neuropathic pain, but also to its comorbidity with neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we summarize the changes that occur in the insular cortex in the presence of neuropathic pain and analgesia, as well as the molecular mechanisms that may underlie these conditions. We also discuss potential sex-based differences in these processes. Further exploration of the involvement of the insular lobe will contribute to the development of new pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments for neuropathic pain.
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10
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Burgher A, Kosek P, Surrett S, Rosen SM, Bromberg T, Gulve A, Kansal A, Wu P, McRoberts WP, Udeshi A, Esposito M, Gliner BE, Maneshi M, Rotte A, Subbaroyan J. Ten kilohertz SCS for Treatment of Chronic Upper Extremity Pain (UEP): Results from Prospective Observational Study. J Pain Res 2020; 13:2837-2851. [PMID: 33204145 PMCID: PMC7667505 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s278661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic upper extremity pain (UEP) has complex etiologies and is often disabling. It has been shown that 10 kHz SCS can provide paresthesia-free and durable pain relief in multiple pain types and improve the quality of life of patients. Objective To gain additional evidence on the safety and effectiveness of 10 kHz SCS for the treatment of chronic UEP. Study Design It was a prospective, multicenter, and observational study. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov prospectively (clinical trial identifier: NCT02703818). Setting Multicenter. Patients Intervention and Main Outcomes A total of 43 subjects with chronic UEP of ≥5 cm (on a 0-10 cm visual analog scale; VAS) underwent a trial of 10 kHz SCS, and subjects with ≥40% pain relief received a permanent implant. All subjects had upper limb pain at baseline, while some had concomitant shoulder or neck pain. Subject outcomes were assessed for 12 months, and the primary outcome was the responder rate (percentage of subjects experiencing ≥50% pain relief from baseline) at three months. Results Thirty-eight subjects successfully completed the trial (88.3% success rate), 33 received permanent implants (five withdrew consent), and 32 had device activation (per protocol population). There were no paresthesias or uncomfortable changes in stimulation related to changes in posture during the study and there were no neurological deficits. Responder rates at 12 months for upper limb, shoulder, and neck pain in per protocol population (N=32) were 78.1%, 85.2%, and 75.0%, respectively. At 12 months, 84.4% of subjects were satisfied or very satisfied with 10 kHz SCS, and 38.7% either reduced or eliminated opioid usage. Conclusion This study further supports the effectiveness of 10 kHz SCS for chronic UEP treatment and documents the safety profile of the therapy. Clinical Trial Identifier NCT02703818.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashish Gulve
- The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Anu Kansal
- The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Paul Wu
- Holy Cross Hospital, Inc., Ft, Lauderdale, FL, USA
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11
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Nagel SJ, Hsieh J, Machado AG, Frizon LA, Howard MA, Gillies GT, Wilson S. Biomarker Optimization of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapies. Neuromodulation 2020; 24:3-12. [PMID: 32881257 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We are in the process of designing and testing an intradural stimulation device that will shorten the distance between the location of the electrode array and the targeted neural tissue, thus improving the efficacy of electrical current delivery. Identifying a biomarker that accurately reflects the response to this intervention is highly valued because of the potential to optimize interventional parameters or predict a response before it is clinically measurable. In this report, we summarize the findings pertaining to the study of biomarkers so that we and others will have an up-to-date reference that critically evaluates the current approaches and select one or several for testing during the development of our device. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have conducted a broad survey of the existing literature to catalogue the biomarkers that could be coupled to intradural spinal cord stimulation. We describe in detail some of the most promising biomarkers, existing limitations, and suitability to managing chronic pain. RESULTS Chronic, intractable pain is an all-encompassing condition that is incurable. Many treatments for managing chronic pain are nonspecific in action and intermittently administered; therefore, patients are particularly susceptible to large fluctuations in pain control over the course of a day. The absence of a reliable biomarker challenges assessment of therapeutic efficacy and contributes to either incomplete and inconsistent pain relief or, alternatively, intolerable side effects. Fluctuations in metabolites or inflammatory markers, signals captured during dynamic imaging, and genomics will likely have a role in governing how a device is modulated. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to identify one or more biomarkers are well underway with some preliminary evidence supporting their efficacy. This has far-reaching implications, including improved outcomes, fewer adverse events, harmonization of treatment and individuals, performance gains, and cost savings. We anticipate that novel biomarkers will be used widely to manage chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Nagel
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jason Hsieh
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andre G Machado
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Leonardo A Frizon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Marcelino Champagnat, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Matthew A Howard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - George T Gillies
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Saul Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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12
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Effects of Tonic Spinal Cord Stimulation on External Mechanical and Thermal Stimuli Perception Using Quantitative Sensory Testing. Clin J Pain 2019; 36:189-196. [DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Fonoff ET, de Lima-Pardini AC, Coelho DB, Monaco BA, Machado B, Pinto de Souza C, Dos Santos Ghilardi MG, Hamani C. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Freezing of Gait: From Bench to Bedside. Front Neurol 2019; 10:905. [PMID: 31507514 PMCID: PMC6718563 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used for the treatment of chronic pain for nearly five decades. With a high degree of efficacy and a low incidence of adverse events, it is now considered to be a suitable therapeutic alternative in most guidelines. Experimental studies suggest that SCS may also be used as a therapy for motor and gait dysfunction in parkinsonian states. The most common and disabling gait dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is freezing of gait (FoG). We review the evolution of SCS for gait disorders from bench to bedside and discuss potential mechanisms of action, neural substrates, and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Talamoni Fonoff
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea C de Lima-Pardini
- Laboratory of Integrative Motor Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Boari Coelho
- Human Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Assumpção Monaco
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Neurosurgery, Association for Assistance of Disabled Children (AACD), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo/sham controlled randomised trials of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain. Pain 2019; 161:24-35. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Duarte RV, McNicol E, Colloca L, Taylor RS, North RB, Eldabe S. Randomized Placebo-/Sham-Controlled Trials of Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Methodological Appraisal. Neuromodulation 2019; 23:10-18. [PMID: 31305001 PMCID: PMC7004207 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The recent availability of paraesthesia/sensation free spinal cord stimulation (SCS) modalities allow the design of clinical trials of SCS using placebo/sham controls and blinding of patients, clinicians, and researchers. The aims of this study were to: 1) systematically review the current evidence base of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SCS placebo/sham trials and 2) to undertake a methodological critique of their methods. Based on this critique, we developed a checklist for the design and reporting of future RCTs of SCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic data bases were searched from inception until January 2019 for RCTs of SCS using a placebo/sham control. RCTs with only an active comparator arm were excluded. The results are presented as a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Searches identified 12 eligible RCTs. SCS modalities included paraesthesia stimulation, subthreshold, burst, and high-frequency SCS and were mainly conducted in patients with failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and refractory angina. The quality and transparency of reporting of the methods of placebo stimulation, blinding of patients, clinicians, and researchers varied markedly across studies. CONCLUSIONS To date the methods of placebo/sham control and blinding in RCTs have been poorly reported, leading to concerns about the validity and replicability of the findings. Important aspects that need to be clearly reported in the design of placebo-/sham-controlled RCTs of SCS include the transparent reporting of stimulation programming parameters, patient position during perception threshold measurement, management of the patient handheld programmer, frequency of recharging, and assessment of the fidelity of blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui V Duarte
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ewan McNicol
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pain Medicine, Atrius Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rod S Taylor
- Institute of Health and Well Being, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Richard B North
- Neurosurgery, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (ret.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sam Eldabe
- Department of Pain Medicine, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
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16
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Caylor J, Reddy R, Yin S, Cui C, Huang M, Huang C, Rao R, Baker DG, Simmons A, Souza D, Narouze S, Vallejo R, Lerman I. Spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain: evidence and theory for mechanisms of action. Bioelectron Med 2019; 5:12. [PMID: 31435499 PMCID: PMC6703564 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-019-0023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-established in the field of bioelectronic medicine, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers an implantable, non-pharmacologic treatment for patients with intractable chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain is a widely heterogenous syndrome with regard to both pathophysiology and the resultant phenotype. Despite advances in our understanding of SCS-mediated antinociception, there still exists limited evidence clarifying the pathways recruited when patterned electric pulses are applied to the epidural space. The rapid clinical implementation of novel SCS methods including burst, high frequency and dorsal root ganglion SCS has provided the clinician with multiple options to treat refractory chronic pain. While compelling evidence for safety and efficacy exists in support of these novel paradigms, our understanding of their mechanisms of action (MOA) dramatically lags behind clinical data. In this review, we reconstruct the available basic science and clinical literature that offers support for mechanisms of both paresthesia spinal cord stimulation (P-SCS) and paresthesia-free spinal cord stimulation (PF-SCS). While P-SCS has been heavily examined since its inception, PF-SCS paradigms have recently been clinically approved with the support of limited preclinical research. Thus, wide knowledge gaps exist between their clinical efficacy and MOA. To close this gap, many rich investigative avenues for both P-SCS and PF-SCS are underway, which will further open the door for paradigm optimization, adjunctive therapies and new indications for SCS. As our understanding of these mechanisms evolves, clinicians will be empowered with the possibility of improving patient care using SCS to selectively target specific pathophysiological processes in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Caylor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Rajiv Reddy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sopyda Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Christina Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Mingxiong Huang
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Charles Huang
- Department of Radiology, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Ramesh Rao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Dewleen G. Baker
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Alan Simmons
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Dmitri Souza
- Center for Pain Medicine, Western Reserve Hospital. Department of Surgery, Northeast Ohio Medical School (NEOMED), Athens, OH USA
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Western Reserve Hospital. Department of Surgery, Northeast Ohio Medical School (NEOMED), Athens, OH USA
| | - Ricardo Vallejo
- Basic Science Research, Millennium Pain Center, Bloomington, IL USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL USA
| | - Imanuel Lerman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Present Address: VA San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr, (MC116A), San Diego, CA 92161 USA
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