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Curran MC, Lucas S, Fann JR, Zumsteg JM, Hoffman JM. Chronic pain after traumatic brain injury: a collaborative care approach. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1398856. [PMID: 39253025 PMCID: PMC11381419 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1398856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), frequently limits daily activities, and is associated with negative outcomes such as decreased community participation. Despite the negative impact of chronic pain, few people with TBI receive effective treatment. This paper describes a collaborative care (CC) intervention, TBI Care, adapted specifically to treat chronic pain in people living with TBI, emphasizing expert clinician input, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, and other non-pharmacological approaches for decreasing pain interference. Methods 79 participants engaged in the CC intervention from two academic medical rehabilitation clinics with weekly assessments of pain intensity, interference, and medication use. Participant feedback on the intervention was gathered by interview with the care manager (CM) at the last treatment session and/or booster session. Provider feedback was gathered by a confidential survey post intervention. Results Ninety percent of participants received at least 11 of the target 12 sessions with a care manager (CM), the majority occurring over the phone. Participants endorsed an average of 7 pain locations. All participants received pain education, skills in self-monitoring, goal setting/behavioral activation and relaxation training. Pain interference scores (impact on activity and enjoyment), tracked weekly by the CM, significantly decreased across sessions. 89% of participants received recommendations for CBT skills, 65% received referrals for additional treatments targeting pain interference, and 43% received care coordination. 75% of participants reported 6 or more medications/supplements at both the first and last session, with changes recommended primarily for headache treatment. Feedback from participants and providers was positive. Discussion TBI Care, a novel patient-centered CC approach, was flexibly delivered, tailored to the needs of those living with TBI and chronic pain, with a high level of participant engagement, and satisfaction among participants and providers. This approach, prioritizing pain self-management strategies and other non-pharmacological approaches, along with optimizing pharmacological treatment, led to significant reductions in self-reported pain interference and intensity during the intervention. Using a CC model in TBI is feasible and successfully improved access to evidence-based treatments for chronic pain as well as outcomes for pain interference and intensity. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03523923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Curran
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sylvia Lucas
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jesse R Fann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jeanne M Hoffman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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Al Yacoub ON, Awwad HO, Standifer KM. Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury Is Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor Genotype-, Sex-, and Injury Severity-Dependent. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:136-149. [PMID: 37442620 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and survivors often experience mental and physical health consequences that reduce quality of life. We previously reported that blockade of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor reduced tissue damage markers produced by blast TBI. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which N/OFQ and NOP receptor levels change following mild (mTBI) and moderate TBI (modTBI) and whether the absence of the NOP receptor attenuates TBI-induced sequelae. Male and female NOP receptor knockout (KO) or wild-type (WT) rats received craniotomy-only (sham) or craniotomy plus mTBI, or modTBI impact to the left cerebral hemisphere. Neurologic and vestibulomotor deficits and nociceptive hyperalgesia and allodynia found in WT male and female rats following mTBI and modTBI were greatly reduced or absent in NOP receptor KO rats. NOP receptor levels increased in brain tissue from injured males but remained unchanged in females. Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression were reduced in NOP receptor KO rats compared with WT following TBI. Levels of N/OFQ in injured brain tissue correlated with neurobehavioral outcomes and GFAP in WT males, but not with KO male or WT and KO female rats. This study reveals a significant contribution of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system to TBI-induced deficits and suggests that the NOP receptor should be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for TBI. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study revealed that nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor knockout animals experienced fewer traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced deficits than their wild-type counterparts in a sex- and injury severity-dependent manner, suggesting that NOP receptor antagonists may be a potential therapy for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar N Al Yacoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Hibah O Awwad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kelly M Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Kureshi S, Mendizabal M, Francis J, Djalilian HR. Conservative Management of Acute Sports-Related Concussions: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:289. [PMID: 38338173 PMCID: PMC10855441 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the application of the conservative management model for pain to sports-related concussions (SRCs), framing concussions as a distinct form of pain syndrome with a pathophysiological foundation in central sensitization. Drawing parallels with proven pain management models, we underscore the significance of a proactive approach to concussion management. Recognizing concussions as a pain syndrome allows for the tailoring of interventions in alignment with conservative principles. This review first covers the epidemiology and controversies surrounding prolonged concussion recovery and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Next, the pathophysiology of concussions is presented within the central sensitization framework, emphasizing the need for early intervention to mitigate the neuroplastic changes that lead to heightened pain sensitivity. Five components of the central sensitization process specific to concussion injuries are highlighted as targets for conservative interventions in the acute period: peripheral sensitization, cerebral metabolic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glymphatic system dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing. These proactive interventions are emphasized as pivotal in accelerating concussion recovery and reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms and PPCS, in line with the philosophy of conservative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Kureshi
- Neurosurgical Medical Clinic, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | | | | | - Hamid R. Djalilian
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Neurological Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Hanks R, Ketchum JM, Peckham M, Sevigny M, Sander AM, Martin AM, Agtarap S, Beaulieu CL, Callender L, Hammond FM, Lengenfelder J, Rabinowitz AR, Walker WC, Hoffman JM, Harrison-Felix C, Nakase-Richardson R. Associations of Chronic Pain With Psychosocial Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:18-30. [PMID: 38167716 PMCID: PMC10807629 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000921] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the differences in participation, life satisfaction, and psychosocial outcomes among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) endorsing current, past, or no chronic pain. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Three thousand eight hundred four TBI Model Systems participants 1 to 30 years of age postinjury classified into 1 of 3 groups based on their pain experience: current pain, past pain, no pain completed a Pain Survey at their usual follow-up appointment which on average was approximately 8 years postinjury. DESIGN Multisite, cross-sectional observational cohort study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sociodemographic and injury characteristics and psychosocial outcomes (ie, satisfaction with life, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], sleep quality, community participation). RESULTS Persons with current chronic pain demonstrated higher scores on measures of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and the lower scores on measures of sleep quality, community participation and satisfaction with life. Those with resolved past pain had mean scores for these outcomes that were all between the current and no chronic pain groups, but always closest to the no pain group. After adjusting for sociodemographic and function in multivariate analysis, having current chronic pain was associated with more negative psychosocial outcomes. The largest effect sizes (ES; in absolute value) were observed for the PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality measures (ES = 0.52-0.81) when comparing current pain to past or no pain, smaller ES were observed for life satisfaction (ES = 0.22-0.37) and out and about participation (ES = 0.16-0.18). When comparing past and no pain groups, adjusted ES were generally small for life satisfaction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality (ES = 0.10-0.23) and minimal for participation outcomes (ES = 0.02-0.06). CONCLUSIONS Chronic pain is prevalent among individuals with TBI and is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes, especially for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. The results from this study highlight the presence of modifiable comorbidities among those with chronic pain and TBI. Persons who experience persistent pain following TBI may be at greater risk for worse psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Hanks
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (Dr Hanks); Research Department, Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado (Drs Ketchum, Agtarap, and Harrison-Felix, Ms Peckham, and Mr Sevigny); H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, Texas (Dr Sander); Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida (Dr Martin); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa (Dr Martin); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus (Dr Beaulieu); Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, Dallas, Texas (Ms Callender); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis (Dr Hammond); Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark (Dr Lengenfelder); Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, New Jersey (Dr Lengenfelder); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania (Dr Rabinowitz); Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Walker); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle (Dr Hoffman); MHBS/Polytrauma, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida (Dr Nakase-Richardson); Sleep and Pulmonary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa (Dr Nakase-Richardson); and Defense Health Agency, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Tampa, Florida (Dr Nakase-Richardson)
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Hoffman JM, Ketchum JM, Agtarap S, Dams-O'Connor K, Hammond FM, Martin AM, Sevigny M, Walker WC, Harrison-Felix C, Zafonte R, Nakase-Richardson R. Characterizing Extreme Phenotypes for Pain Interference in Persons With Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:31-42. [PMID: 38032832 PMCID: PMC10841036 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000909] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define and characterize extreme phenotypes based on pain interference for persons with chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING Eighteen Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) Centers. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1762 TBIMS participants 1 to 30 years post-injury reporting chronic pain at their most recent follow-up interview. PRIMARY MEASURES The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference scale, sociodemographic, injury, functional outcome, pain, and treatment characteristics. RESULTS Participants were predominantly male (73%), White (75%), middle-aged (mean 46 years), and who were injured in motor vehicle accidents (53%) or falls (20%). Extreme phenotypes were identified based on upper and lower 25th percentiles to create low-interference ( n = 441) and high-interference ( n = 431) extreme phenotypes. Bivariate comparisons found several sociodemographic, injury, function, pain, and treatment differences between extreme phenotype groups, including significant differences ( P < .001) on all measures of concurrent function with those in the low-interference extreme phenotype experiencing better function than those in the high-interference extreme phenotype. Lasso regression combined with logistic regression identified multivariable predictors of low- versus high-interference extreme phenotypes. Reductions in the odds of low- versus high-interference phenotypes were significantly associated with higher pain intensity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33), having neuropathic pain (OR = 0.40), migraine headache (OR = 0.41), leg/feet pain (OR = 0.34), or hip pain (OR = 0.46), and more pain catastrophizing (OR = 0.81). CONCLUSION Results suggest that for those who experience current chronic pain, there is high variability in the experience and impact of pain. Future research is needed to better understand how pain experience impacts individuals with chronic pain and TBI given that pain characteristics were the primary distinguishing factors between phenotypes. The use of extreme phenotypes for pain interference may be useful to better stratify samples to determine efficacy of pain treatment for individuals with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Hoffman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (Dr Hoffman); Craig Hospital Research Department, Englewood, Colorado (Drs Ketchum, Agtarap, and Harrison-Felix and Mr Sevigny); Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Dr Dams-O'Connor); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis (Dr Hammond); Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa (Dr Martin); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Walker); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Zafonte); and MHBS/Polytrauma, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, and Sleep and Pulmonary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, and Defense Health Agency Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Tampa, Florida (Dr Nakase-Richardson)
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Ketchum JM, Hoffman JM, Agtarap S, Hammond FM, Martin AM, Walker WC, Zafonte R, Harrison-Felix C, Nakase-Richardson R. Relationship Between Extreme Pain Phenotypes and Psychosocial Outcomes in Persons With Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:56-67. [PMID: 38032831 PMCID: PMC10842936 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000908] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between extreme pain phenotypes (interference and improvement) and psychosocial outcomes among those with chronic pain after traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS In total, 1762 TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) participants 1 to 30 years postinjury reporting chronic pain. DESIGN Multisite, cross-sectional, observational cohort study. PRIMARY MEASURES Life satisfaction, posttraumatic stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, sleep and participation, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference scale, and the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC). RESULTS Persons in the extreme high interference phenotype (vs extreme low interference phenotype) and/or extreme no change phenotype (vs extreme improvement phenotype) had poorer psychosocial outcomes, with extreme pain interference phenotypes having a larger effect on outcomes than extreme perceived improvement phenotypes. After controlling for covariates, large effect sizes (ES) related to pain interference were observed for posttraumatic stress symptoms (ES = -1.14), sleep quality (ES = -1.10), depression (ES = -1.08), anxiety (ES = -0.82), and life satisfaction (ES = 0.76); effect sizes for participation outcomes, although significant, were relatively small (ES = 0.21-0.36). Effect sizes related to perceived improvement were small for life satisfaction (ES = 0.20) and participation (ES = 0.16-0.21) outcomes. Pain intensity was identified as a meaningful confounding factor of the relationships between extreme phenotypes and posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS Examination of extreme phenotypes provides important insights into the experience of individuals living with chronic pain and TBI. Results suggest that the relationships among a variety of characteristics of the person, their experience with pain, and treatment of pain are complex. Further research is needed to better understand these complex relationships and how differences in pain interference and perceived improvement from treatment can assist in assessment and treatment of chronic pain after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Ketchum
- Craig Hospital Research Department, Englewood, Colorado (Drs Ketchum, Agtarap, and Harrison-Felix); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (Dr Hoffman); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine & Rehabilitation, Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis (Dr Hammond); Mental Health and Behavioral Science Service (Dr Martin) and MHBS/Polytrauma (Dr Nakase-Richardson), James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, VA Tampa Health Care, Tampa, Florida; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (Dr Martin) and Sleep and Pulmonary Division, Department of Internal Medicine (Dr Nakase-Richardson), University of South Florida, Tampa; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Walker); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Zafonte); and Defense Health Agency Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Tampa, Florida (Dr Nakase-Richardson)
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Rosner J, de Andrade DC, Davis KD, Gustin SM, Kramer JLK, Seal RP, Finnerup NB. Central neuropathic pain. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:73. [PMID: 38129427 PMCID: PMC11329872 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Central neuropathic pain arises from a lesion or disease of the central somatosensory nervous system such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis or related neuroinflammatory conditions. The incidence of central neuropathic pain differs based on its underlying cause. Individuals with spinal cord injury are at the highest risk; however, central post-stroke pain is the most prevalent form of central neuropathic pain worldwide. The mechanisms that underlie central neuropathic pain are not fully understood, but the pathophysiology likely involves intricate interactions and maladaptive plasticity within spinal circuits and brain circuits associated with nociception and antinociception coupled with neuronal hyperexcitability. Modulation of neuronal activity, neuron-glia and neuro-immune interactions and targeting pain-related alterations in brain connectivity, represent potential therapeutic approaches. Current evidence-based pharmacological treatments include antidepressants and gabapentinoids as first-line options. Non-pharmacological pain management options include self-management strategies, exercise and neuromodulation. A comprehensive pain history and clinical examination form the foundation of central neuropathic pain classification, identification of potential risk factors and stratification of patients for clinical trials. Advanced neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques hold promise to improve the understanding of mechanisms that underlie central neuropathic pain and as predictive biomarkers of treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rosner
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel C de Andrade
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Karen D Davis
- Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour, Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia M Gustin
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John L K Kramer
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rebecca P Seal
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Neurobiology and Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Cherup NP, Robayo LE, Vastano R, Fleming L, Levin BE, Widerström-Noga E. Neuropsychological Function in Traumatic Brain Injury and the Influence of Chronic Pain. Percept Mot Skills 2023; 130:1495-1523. [PMID: 37219529 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231174082] [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] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction, pain, and psychological morbidity all present unique challenges to those living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study we examined (a) the impact of pain across domains of attention, memory, and executive function, and (b) the relationships between pain and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in persons with chronic TBI. Our sample included 86 participants with a TBI and chronic pain (n = 26), patients with TBI and no chronic pain (n = 23), and a pain-free control group without TBI (n = 37). Participants visited the laboratory and completed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests as part of a structured interview. Multivariate analysis of covariance using education as a covariate, failed to detect a significant group difference for neuropsychological composite scores of attention, memory, and executive function (p = .165). A follow-up analysis using multiple one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for individual measures of executive function. Post-hoc testing indicated that those in both TBI groups preformed significantly worse on measures of semantic fluency when compared to controls (p < 0.001, ηρ2 = .16). Additionally, multiple ANOVAs indicated that those with TBI and pain scored significantly worse across all psychological assessments (p < .001). We also found significant associations between measures of pain and most psychological symptoms. A follow-up stepwise linear regression among those in the TBI pain group indicated that post concussive complaints, pain severity, and neuropathic pain symptoms differentially contributed to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These findings suggest deficits in verbal fluency among those living with chronic TBI, with results also reinforcing the multidimensional nature of pain and its psychological significance in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Cherup
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Linda E Robayo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Roberta Vastano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Loriann Fleming
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie E Levin
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Robayo LE, Govind V, Salan T, Cherup NP, Sheriff S, Maudsley AA, Widerström-Noga E. Neurometabolite alterations in traumatic brain injury and associations with chronic pain. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1125128. [PMID: 36908781 PMCID: PMC9997848 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1125128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to a variety of comorbidities, including chronic pain. Although brain tissue metabolite alterations have been extensively examined in several chronic pain populations, it has received less attention in people with TBI. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to compare brain tissue metabolite levels in people with TBI and chronic pain (n = 16), TBI without chronic pain (n = 17), and pain-free healthy controls (n = 31). The metabolite data were obtained from participants using whole-brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRSI) at 3 Tesla. The metabolite data included N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, total choline, glutamate plus glutamine, and total creatine. Associations between N-acetylaspartate levels and pain severity, neuropathic pain symptom severity, and psychological variables, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-concussive symptoms, were also explored. Our results demonstrate N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, total choline, and total creatine alterations in pain-related brain regions such as the frontal region, cingulum, postcentral gyrus, and thalamus in individuals with TBI with and without chronic pain. Additionally, NAA levels in the left and right frontal lobe regions were positively correlated with post-concussive symptoms; and NAA levels within the left frontal region were also positively correlated with neuropathic pain symptom severity, depression, and PTSD symptoms in the TBI with chronic pain group. These results suggest that neuronal integrity or density in the prefrontal cortex, a critical region for nociception and pain modulation, is associated with the severity of neuropathic pain symptoms and psychological comorbidities following TBI. Our data suggest that a combination of neuronal loss or dysfunction and maladaptive neuroplasticity may contribute to the development of persistent pain following TBI, although no causal relationship can be determined based on these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Robayo
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Varan Govind
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Teddy Salan
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Cherup
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sulaiman Sheriff
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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