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Huang Y, Sadeghzadeh S, Li AHY, Schonfeld E, Ramayya AG, Buch VP. Rates and Predictors of Pain Reduction With Intracranial Stimulation for Intractable Pain Disorders. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01186. [PMID: 38836613 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Intracranial modulation paradigms, namely deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation (MCS), have been used to treat intractable pain disorders. However, treatment efficacy remains heterogeneous, and factors associated with pain reduction are not completely understood. METHODS We performed an individual patient review of pain outcomes (visual analog scale, quality-of-life measures, complications, pulse generator implant rate, cessation of stimulation) after implantation of DBS or MCS devices. We evaluated 663 patients from 36 study groups and stratified outcomes by pain etiology and implantation targets. RESULTS Included studies comprised primarily retrospective cohort studies. MCS patients had a similar externalized trial success rate compared with DBS patients (86% vs 81%; P = .16), whereas patients with peripheral pain had a higher trial success rate compared with patients with central pain (88% vs 79%; P = .004). Complication rates were similar for MCS and DBS patients (12% vs 15%; P = .79). Patients with peripheral pain had lower likelihood of device cessation compared with those with central pain (5.7% vs 10%; P = .03). Of all implanted patients, mean pain reduction at last follow-up was 45.8% (95% CI: 40.3-51.2) with a 31.2% (95% CI: 12.4-50.1) improvement in quality of life. No difference was seen between MCS patients (43.8%; 95% CI: 36.7-58.2) and DBS patients (48.6%; 95% CI: 39.2-58) or central (41.5%; 95% CI: 34.8-48.2) and peripheral (46.7%; 95% CI: 38.9-54.5) etiologies. Multivariate analysis identified the anterior cingulate cortex target to be associated with worse pain reduction, while postherpetic neuralgia was a positive prognostic factor. CONCLUSION Both DBS and MCS have similar efficacy and complication rates in the treatment of intractable pain. Patients with central pain disorders tended to have lower trial success and higher rates of device cessation. Additional prognostic factors include anterior cingulate cortex targeting and postherpetic neuralgia diagnosis. These findings underscore intracranial neurostimulation as an important modality for treatment of intractable pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sina Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Alice Huai-Yu Li
- Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ethan Schonfeld
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ashwin G Ramayya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Vivek P Buch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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2
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Mori N, Hosomi K, Nishi A, Miyake A, Yamada T, Matsugi A, Jono Y, Lim C, Khoo HM, Tani N, Oshino S, Saitoh Y, Kishima H. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation focusing on patients with neuropathic pain in the upper limb: a randomized sham-controlled parallel trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11811. [PMID: 38782994 PMCID: PMC11116497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62018-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] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of navigation-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary motor cortex in patients with neuropathic pain in the upper limb. This randomized, blinded, sham-controlled, parallel trial included a rTMS protocol (10-Hz, 2000 pulses/session) consisting of five daily sessions, followed by one session per week for the next seven weeks. Pain intensity, as well as pain-related disability, quality of life, and psychological status, were assessed. For the primary outcome, pain intensity was measured daily using a numerical rating scale as a pain diary. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to the active rTMS or sham-stimulation groups. In the primary outcome, the decrease (least square [LS] mean ± standard error) in the weekly average of a pain diary at week 9 compared to the baseline was 0.84 ± 0.31 in the active rTMS group and 0.58 ± 0.29 in the sham group (LS mean difference, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, - 0.60 to 1.13). There was no significant effect on the interaction between the treatment group and time point. Pain-related disability score improved, but other assessments showed no differences. No serious adverse events were observed. This study did not show significant pain relief; however, active rTMS tended to provide better results than sham. rTMS has the potential to improve pain-related disability in addition to pain relief.Clinical Trial Registration number: jRCTs052190110 (20/02/2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Mori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Koichi Hosomi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan.
| | - Asaya Nishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akimitsu Miyake
- Department of Medical Innovation, Osaka University Hospital, Suita, Japan
- Department of AI and Innovative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomomi Yamada
- Department of Medical Innovation, Osaka University Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Matsugi
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Daitou, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Jono
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Naragakuen University, Nara, Japan
| | - Chanseok Lim
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Suita, Japan
| | - Hui Ming Khoo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoki Tani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoru Oshino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Youichi Saitoh
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering Science, Toyonaka, Japan
- Tokuyukai Rehabilitation Clinic, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kishima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Abdulbaki A, Wöhrle JC, Blahak C, Weigel R, Kollewe K, Capelle HH, Bäzner H, Krauss JK. Somatosensory evoked potentials recorded from DBS electrodes: the origin of subcortical N18. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:359-367. [PMID: 38456947 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02752-8] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The different peaks of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP) originate from a variety of anatomical sites in the central nervous system. The origin of the median nerve subcortical N18 SEP has been studied under various conditions, but the exact site of its generation is still unclear. While it has been claimed to be located in the thalamic region, other studies indicated its possible origin below the pontomedullary junction. Here, we scrutinized and compared SEP recordings from median nerve stimulation through deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes implanted in various subcortical targets. We studied 24 patients with dystonia, Parkinson's disease, and chronic pain who underwent quadripolar electrode implantation for chronic DBS and recorded median nerve SEPs from globus pallidus internus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN), thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim), and ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) and the centromedian-parafascicular complex (CM-Pf). The largest amplitude of the triphasic potential of the N18 complex was recorded in Vim. Bipolar recordings confirmed the origin to be close to Vim electrodes (and VPL/CM-Pf) and less close to STN electrodes. GPi recorded only far-field potentials in unipolar derivation. Recordings from DBS electrodes located in different subcortical areas allow determining the origin of certain subcortical SEP waves more precisely. The subcortical N18 of the median nerve SEP-to its largest extent-is generated ventral to the Vim in the region of the prelemniscal radiation/ zona incerta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Abdulbaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Johannes C Wöhrle
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Koblenz Montabaur, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Christian Blahak
- Department of Neurology, Ortenau Klinikum Lahr-Ettenheim, Lahr, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Weigel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sankt Katharinen Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katja Kollewe
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Holger Capelle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Bäzner
- Department of Neurology, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Joachim K Krauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Runge J, Nagel JM, Blahak C, Kinfe TM, Heissler HE, Schrader C, Wolf ME, Saryyeva A, Krauss JK. Does Temporary Externalization of Electrodes After Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Result in a Higher Risk of Infection? Neuromodulation 2024; 27:565-571. [PMID: 37804281 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.08.004] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established surgical therapy for movement disorders that comprises implantation of stimulation electrodes and a pacemaker. These procedures can be performed separately, leaving the possibility of externalizing the electrodes for local field potential recording or testing multiple targets for therapeutic efficacy. It is still debated whether the temporary externalization of DBS electrodes leads to an increased risk of infection. We therefore aimed to assess the risk of infection during and after lead externalization in DBS surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, we analyzed a consecutive series of 624 DBS surgeries, including 266 instances with temporary externalization of DBS electrodes for a mean of 6.1 days. Patients were available for follow-up of at least one year, except in 15 instances. In 14 patients with negative test stimulation, electrodes were removed. All kinds of infections related to implantation of the neurostimulation system were accounted for. RESULTS Overall, infections occurred in 22 of 624 surgeries (3.5%). Without externalization of electrodes, infections were noted after 7 of 358 surgeries (2.0%), whereas with externalization, 15 of 252 infections were found (6.0%). This difference was significant (p = 0.01), but it did not reach statistical significance when comparing groups within different diagnoses. The rate of infection with externalized electrodes was highest in psychiatric disorders (9.1%), followed by Parkinson's disease (7.3%), pain (5.7%), and dystonia (5.5%). The duration of the externalization of the DBS electrodes was comparable in patients who developed an infection (6.1 ± 3.1 days) with duration in those who did not (6.0 ± 3.5 days). CONCLUSIONS Although infection rates were relatively low in our study, there was a slightly higher infection rate when DBS electrodes were externalized. On the basis of our results, the indication for electrode externalization should be carefully considered, and patients should be informed about the possibility of a higher infection risk when externalization of DBS electrodes is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Runge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Johanna M Nagel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas M Kinfe
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Hans E Heissler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Marc E Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Katharinenhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Assel Saryyeva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim K Krauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Rifi Z, Remore LG, Tolossa M, Wei W, Sun XR, Bari AA. Somatotopic organization of the ventral nuclear group of the dorsal thalamus: deep brain stimulation for neuropathic pain reveals new insights into the facial homunculus. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:349-358. [PMID: 38172466 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02733-9] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an experimental treatment for medication-refractory neuropathic pain. The ventral posteromedial (VPM) and ventral posterolateral (VPL) nuclei of the thalamus are popular targets for the treatment of facial and limb pain, respectively. While intraoperative testing is used to adjust targeting of patient-specific pain locations, a better understanding of thalamic somatotopy may improve targeting of specific body regions including the individual trigeminal territories, face, arm, and leg. To elucidate the somatotopic organization of the ventral nuclear group of the dorsal thalamus using in vivo macrostimulation data from patients undergoing DBS for refractory neuropathic pain. In vivo macrostimulation data was retrospectively collected for 14 patients who underwent DBS implantation for neuropathic pain syndromes at our institution. 56 contacts from 14 electrodes reconstructed with LeadDBS were assigned to macrostimulation-related body regions: tongue, face, arm, or leg. 33 contacts from 9 electrodes were similarly assigned to one of three trigeminal territories: V1, V2, or V3. MNI coordinates in the x, y, and z axes were compared by using MANOVA. Across the horizontal plane of the ventral nuclear group of the dorsal thalamus, the tongue was represented significantly medially, followed by the face, arm, and leg most laterally (p < 0.001). The trigeminal territories displayed significant mediolateral distribution, proceeding from V1 and V2 most medial to V3 most lateral (p < 0.001). Along the y-axis, V2 was also significantly anterior to V3 (p = 0.014). While our results showed that the ventral nuclear group of the dorsal thalamus displayed mediolateral somatotopy of the tongue, face, arm, and leg mirroring the cortical homunculus, the mediolateral distribution of trigeminal territories did not mirror the established cortical homunculus. This finding suggests that the facial homunculus may be inverted in the ventral nuclear group of the dorsal thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Rifi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Luigi Gianmaria Remore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of Milan "LA STATALE", Milan, Italy
| | - Meskerem Tolossa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wenxin Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaonan R Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ausaf A Bari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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6
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Biesbroek JM, Verhagen MG, van der Stigchel S, Biessels GJ. When the central integrator disintegrates: A review of the role of the thalamus in cognition and dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:2209-2222. [PMID: 38041861 PMCID: PMC10984498 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The thalamus is a complex neural structure with numerous anatomical subdivisions and intricate connectivity patterns. In recent decades, the traditional view of the thalamus as a relay station and "gateway to the cortex" has expanded in recognition of its role as a central integrator of inputs from sensory systems, cortex, basal ganglia, limbic systems, brain stem nuclei, and cerebellum. As such, the thalamus is critical for numerous aspects of human cognition, mood, and behavior, as well as serving sensory processing and motor functions. Thalamus pathology is an important contributor to cognitive and functional decline, and it might be argued that the thalamus has been somewhat overlooked as an important player in dementia. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of thalamus anatomy and function, with an emphasis on human cognition and behavior, and discuss emerging insights on the role of thalamus pathology in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Matthijs Biesbroek
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of NeurologyDiakonessenhuis HospitalUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marieke G. Verhagen
- VIB Center for Brain and DiseaseLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosciencesKatholieke Universiteit (KU) LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Stefan van der Stigchel
- Department of Experimental PsychologyHelmholtz InstituteUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Biessels
- Department of NeurologyUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Wang D, Lu Y, Han Y, Zhang X, Dong S, Zhang H, Wang G, Wang G, Wang JJ. The Influence of Etiology and Stimulation Target on the Outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:83-94. [PMID: 36697341 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.12.002] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat chronic neuropathic pain has shown variable outcomes. Variations in pain etiologies and DBS targets are considered the main contributing factors, which are, however, underexplored owing to a paucity of patient data in individual studies. An updated meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the influence of these factors on the outcome of DBS for chronic neuropathic pain is warranted, especially considering that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has emerged recently as a new DBS target. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane data bases to identify studies reporting quantitative outcomes of DBS for chronic neuropathic pain. Pain and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, grouped by etiology and DBS target, were extracted and analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included for analysis. Patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) had a significantly greater initial stimulation success rate than did patients with central neuropathic pain (CNP). Both patients with CNP and patients with PNP with definitive implant, regardless of targets, gained significant follow-up pain reduction. Patients with PNP had greater long-term pain relief than did patients with CNP. Patients with CNP with ACC DBS gained less long-term pain relief than did those with conventional targets. Significant short-term QoL improvement was reported in selected patients with CNP after ACC DBS. However, selective reporting bias was expected, and the improvement decreased in the long term. CONCLUSIONS Although DBS to treat chronic neuropathic pain is generally effective, patients with PNP are the preferred population over patients with CNP. Current data suggest that ACC DBS deserves further investigation as a potential way to treat the affective component of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Han
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guihuai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - James Jin Wang
- Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Nowacki A, Zhang D, Barlatey S, Ai-Schläppi J, Rosner J, Arnold M, Pollo C. Deep Brain Stimulation of the Central Lateral and Ventral Posterior Thalamus for Central Poststroke Pain Syndrome: Preliminary Experience. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:1747-1756. [PMID: 36266180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.09.005] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The beneficial effects of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) at various target sites in treating chronic central neuropathic pain (CPSP) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of DBS at a previously untested target site in the central lateral (CL) thalamus, together with classical sensory thalamic stimulation (ventral posterior [VP] complex). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a monocentric retrospective study of a consecutive series of six patients with CPSP who underwent combined DBS lead implantation of the CL and VP. Patient-reported outcome measures were recorded before and after surgery using the numeric rating scale (NRS), short-form McGill pain questionnaire (sf-MPQ), EuroQol 5-D quality-of-life questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. DBS leads were reconstructed and projected onto a three-dimensional stereotactic atlas. RESULTS NRS-but not sf-MPQ-rated pain intensity-was significantly reduced throughout the follow-up period of 12 months compared with baseline (p = 0.005, and p = 0.06 respectively, Friedman test). At the last available follow-up (12 to 30 months), three patients described a more than 50% reduction. Two of the three long-term responders were stimulated in the CL (1000 Hz, 90 μs, 3.5-5.0 mA), whereas the third preferred VP complex stimulation (50 Hz, 200 μs, 0.7-1.2 mA). No persistent procedure- or stimulation-associated side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that DBS of the CL might constitute a promising alternative target in cases in which classical VP complex stimulation does not yield satisfactory postoperative pain reduction. The results need to be confirmed in larger, prospective series of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Nowacki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - David Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabry Barlatey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Janine Ai-Schläppi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Pollo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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9
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Yang R, Xiong B, Wang M, Wu Y, Gao Y, Xu Y, Deng H, Pan W, Wang W. Gamma Knife surgery and deep brain stimulation of the centromedian nucleus for chronic pain: A systematic review. Asian J Surg 2023; 46:3437-3446. [PMID: 37422388 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.06.026] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain has been a major problem in personal quality of life and social economy, causing psychological disorders in people and a larger amount of money loss in society. Some targets were adopted for chronic pain, but the efficacy of the CM nucleus for pain was still unclear. A systematic review was performed to summarize GK surgery and DBS of the CM nucleus for chronic pain. PubMed, Embase and Medline were searched to review all studies discussing GK surgery and DBS on the CM nucleus for chronic pain. Studies that were review, meet, conference, not English or not the therapy of pain were excluded. Demographic characteristics, surgery parameters and outcomes of pain relief were selected. In total, 101 patients across 12 studies were included. The median age of most patients ranged from 44.3 to 80 years when the duration of pain ranged from 5 months to 8 years. This review showed varied results of 30%-100% pain reduction across studies. The difference in the effect between GK surgery and DBS cannot be judged. Moreover, three retrospective articles related to GK surgery of the CM nucleus for trigeminal neuralgia presented an average pain relief rate of 34.6-82.5%. Four studies reported adverse effects in a small number of patients. GK surgery and DBS of the CM nucleus might be promising therapeutic approaches for chronic refractory pain. More rigorous studies and larger samples with longer follow-up periods are needed to support the effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Botao Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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Benarroch E. What Is the Role of the Intralaminar Thalamic Input to the Striatum and Its Potential Implications in Parkinson Disease? Neurology 2023; 101:118-123. [PMID: 37460225 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
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11
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Motzkin JC, Kanungo I, D’Esposito M, Shirvalkar P. Network targets for therapeutic brain stimulation: towards personalized therapy for pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1156108. [PMID: 37363755 PMCID: PMC10286871 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1156108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision neuromodulation of central brain circuits is a promising emerging therapeutic modality for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Reliably identifying in whom, where, and in what context to provide brain stimulation for optimal pain relief are fundamental challenges limiting the widespread implementation of central neuromodulation treatments for chronic pain. Current approaches to brain stimulation target empirically derived regions of interest to the disorder or targets with strong connections to these regions. However, complex, multidimensional experiences like chronic pain are more closely linked to patterns of coordinated activity across distributed large-scale functional networks. Recent advances in precision network neuroscience indicate that these networks are highly variable in their neuroanatomical organization across individuals. Here we review accumulating evidence that variable central representations of pain will likely pose a major barrier to implementation of population-derived analgesic brain stimulation targets. We propose network-level estimates as a more valid, robust, and reliable way to stratify personalized candidate regions. Finally, we review key background, methods, and implications for developing network topology-informed brain stimulation targets for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C. Motzkin
- Departments of Neurology and Anesthesia and Perioperative Care (Pain Management), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ishan Kanungo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark D’Esposito
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Prasad Shirvalkar
- Departments of Neurology and Anesthesia and Perioperative Care (Pain Management), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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12
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Yan Y, Zhu M, Cao X, Xu G, Shen W, Li F, Zhang J, Luo L, Zhang X, Zhang D, Liu T. Thalamocortical Circuit Controls Neuropathic Pain via Up-regulation of HCN2 in the Ventral Posterolateral Thalamus. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:774-792. [PMID: 36538279 PMCID: PMC10169982 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00989-5] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalamocortical (TC) circuit is closely associated with pain processing. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) 2 channel is predominantly expressed in the ventral posterolateral thalamus (VPL) that has been shown to mediate neuropathic pain. However, the role of VPL HCN2 in modulating TC circuit activity is largely unknown. Here, by using optogenetics, neuronal tracing, electrophysiological recordings, and virus knockdown strategies, we showed that the activation of VPL TC neurons potentiates excitatory synaptic transmission to the hindlimb region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1HL) as well as mechanical hypersensitivity following spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain in mice. Either pharmacological blockade or virus knockdown of HCN2 (shRNA-Hcn2) in the VPL was sufficient to alleviate SNI-induced hyperalgesia. Moreover, shRNA-Hcn2 decreased the excitability of TC neurons and synaptic transmission of the VPL-S1HL circuit. Together, our studies provide a novel mechanism by which HCN2 enhances the excitability of the TC circuit to facilitate neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Mengye Zhu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xuezhong Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lingyun Luo
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xuexue Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Daying Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Qassim H, Zhao Y, Ströbel A, Regensburger M, Buchfelder M, de Oliveira DS, Del Vecchio A, Kinfe T. Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Facial Pain: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030492. [PMID: 36979302 PMCID: PMC10046035 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite available, advanced pharmacological and behavioral therapies, refractory chronic facial pain of different origins still poses a therapeutic challenge. In circumstances where there is insufficient responsiveness to pharmacological/behavioral therapies, deep brain stimulation should be considered as a potential effective treatment option. We performed an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis including searches on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (2000–2022). The primary endpoint was the change in pain intensity (visual analogue scale; VAS) at a defined time-point of ≤3 months post-DBS. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify predictive markers (age, duration of pain, frequency, amplitude, intensity, contact configuration, and the DBS target). A total of seven trials consisting of 54 screened patients met the inclusion criteria. DBS significantly reduced the pain levels after 3 months without being related to a specific DBS target, age, contact configuration, stimulation intensity, frequency, amplitude, or chronic pain duration. Adverse events were an infection or lead fracture (19%), stimulation-induced side effects (7%), and three deaths (unrelated to DBS—from cancer progression or a second stroke). Although comparable long-term data are lacking, the current published data indicate that DBS (thalamic and PVG/PAG) effectively suppresses facial pain in the short-term. However, the low-quality evidence, reporting bias, and placebo effects must be considered in future randomized-controlled DBS trials for facial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatallah Qassim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yining Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin Ströbel
- Center for Clinical Studies (CCS), Medical Faculty, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Division of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniela Souza de Oliveira
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kinfe
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy, Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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14
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Saway BF, Webb T, Weber A, Triano M, Barley J, Spampinato M, Rowland N. Functional MRI-Guided Motor Cortex and Deep Brain Stimulation for Intractable Facial Pain: A Novel, Personalized Approach in 1 Patient. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:103-110. [PMID: 36251418 DOI: 10.1227/ons.0000000000000440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facial neuropathic pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia are debilitating disorders commonly managed by medications, vascular decompression, and/or ablative procedures. In trigeminal neuralgia cases unresponsive to these interventions, trigeminal deafferentation pain syndrome (TDPS) can emerge and remain refractory to any further attempts at these conventional therapies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation are 2 neuromodulatory treatments that have demonstrated efficacy in small case series of TDPS yet remain largely underutilized. In addition, functional MRI (fMRI) is a tool that can help localize central processing of evoked stimuli such as mechanically triggered facial pain. In this study, we present a case report and operative technique in a patient with TDPS who underwent fMRI to guide the operative management and placement of dual targets in the sensory thalamus and motor cortex. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of a novel surgical approach for TDPS in a single patient. METHODS The fMRI and operative technique of unilateral DBS targeting the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus and facial motor cortex stimulator placement through a single burr hole is illustrated as well as the patient's clinical outcome. RESULTS In less than 1 year, the patient had near complete resolution of his facial pain with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION We present the first published case of successful treatment of TDPS using simultaneous DBS of the ventroposteromedial and motor cortex stimulation. fMRI can be used as an effective imaging modality to guide neuromodulation in this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Fabian Saway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy Webb
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Aimee Weber
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew Triano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Barley
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Spampinato
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan Rowland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for chronic pain has been controversial. Despite the discouraging outcomes from multicenter clinical trial in the twentieth century, there is sustained interest in optimizing its use to improve patient outcomes. Here we provide a concise overview of DBS for chronic pain as a reference for clinicians. RECENT FINDINGS Recently published data lends tentative support for DBS as a means of treating chronic pain. Still, high level-of-evidence data remain elusive. There are a handful of ongoing and prospective clinical trials exploring DBS for pain in the context of closed-loop neuromodulation, invasive electroencephalography monitoring, stimulation parameters, and novel intracranial targets. DBS is a potentially viable method of treating chronic pain. Procedure success is dependent on a number of factors including proper patient and intracranial target selection. Outcomes for ongoing and future clinical trials will help clinicians refine DBS use for this clinical indication.
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Li H, Chen J, Wang J, Zhang T, Chen Z. Review of rehabilitation protocols for brachial plexus injury. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1084223. [PMID: 37139070 PMCID: PMC10150106 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1084223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most serious peripheral nerve injuries, resulting in severe and persistent impairments of the upper limb and disability in adults and children alike. With the relatively mature early diagnosis and surgical technique of brachial plexus injury, the demand for rehabilitation treatment after brachial plexus injury is gradually increasing. Rehabilitation intervention can be beneficial to some extent during all stages of recovery, including the spontaneous recovery period, the postoperative period, and the sequelae period. However, due to the complex composition of the brachial plexus, location of injury, and the different causes, the treatment varies. A clear rehabilitation process has not been developed yet. Rehabilitation therapy that has been widely studied focusing on exercise therapy, sensory training, neuroelectromagnetic stimulation, neurotrophic factors, acupuncture and massage therapy, etc., while interventions like hydrotherapy, phototherapy, and neural stem cell therapy are less studied. In addition, rehabilitation methods in some special condition and group often neglected, such as postoperative edema, pain, and neonates. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential contributions of various methods to brachial plexus injury rehabilitation and to provide a concise overview of the interventions that have been shown to be beneficial. The key contribution of this article is to form relatively clear rehabilitation processes based on different periods and populations, which provides an important reference for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.
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Chung M, Huh R. Neuromodulation for trigeminal neuralgia. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2022; 65:640-651. [PMID: 35574582 PMCID: PMC9452392 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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18
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Kinfe T, Zhao Y, Viviani B. A Clarion Call for Neuroinflammatory Assays in Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030364. [PMID: 35326320 PMCID: PMC8946489 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kinfe
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Yining Zhao
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Bailey-Classen A, Parikh A, Adimi N, Edgar D, Yan A, Rotte A, Caraway D. Concept of the Number Needed to Treat for the Analysis of Pain Relief Outcomes in Patients Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020497. [PMID: 35203706 PMCID: PMC8962384 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020497] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), measures of treatment effects are needed to help understand the benefits of new therapies. The present article elaborates the number needed to treat (NNT) concept and applies it to the SCS field. We reviewed the basic theory of the NNT, its calculation method, and its application to historical controlled trials of SCS. We searched the literature for controlled studies with ≥20 implanted SCS patients with chronic axial back and/or leg pain followed for ≥3 months and a reported responder rate defined as ≥50% pain relief. Relevant data necessary to estimate the NNT were extracted from the included articles. In total, 12 of 1616 records were eligible for inclusion. The records reported 10 clinical studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials, 2 randomized crossover trials, and 1 controlled cohort study. The studies investigated traditional SCS and more recently developed SCS modalities, including 10 kHz SCS. In conclusion, the NNT estimate may help SCS stakeholders better understand the effect size difference between compared treatments; however, interpretation of any NNT should take into account its full context. In addition, comparisons across trials of different therapies should be avoided since they are prone to interpretation biases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amar Parikh
- OrthoNY Spine and Back, Albany, NY 12205, USA;
| | - Nima Adimi
- Ridgeview Spine and Pain Center, Chaska, MN 55318, USA;
| | | | - Alice Yan
- Nevro Corp., Redwood City, CA 94065, USA; (A.Y.); (A.R.)
| | - Anand Rotte
- Nevro Corp., Redwood City, CA 94065, USA; (A.Y.); (A.R.)
| | - David Caraway
- Nevro Corp., Redwood City, CA 94065, USA; (A.Y.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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