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Rowe G, Allahham A, Edgar DW, Rurak BK, Fear MW, Wood FM, Vallence AM. Functional Brain Changes Following Burn Injury: A Narrative Review. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2024; 38:62-72. [PMID: 38044625 PMCID: PMC10798013 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231215331] [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: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn injuries cause significant motor and sensory dysfunctions that can negatively impact burn survivors' quality of life. The underlying mechanisms of these burn-induced dysfunctions have primarily been associated with damage to the peripheral neural architecture, however, evidence points to a systemic influence of burn injury. Central nervous system (CNS) reorganizations due to inflammation, afferent dysfunction, and pain could contribute to persistent motor and sensory dysfunction in burn survivors. Recent evidence shows that the capacity for neuroplasticity is associated with self-reported functional recovery in burn survivors. OBJECTIVE This review first outlines motor and sensory dysfunctions following burn injury and critically examines recent literature investigating the mechanisms mediating CNS reorganization following burn injury. The review then provides recommendations for future research and interventions targeting the CNS such as non-invasive brain stimulation to improve functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS Directing focus to the CNS following burn injury, alongside the development of non-invasive methods to induce functionally beneficial neuroplasticity in the CNS, could advance treatments and transform clinical practice to improve quality of life in burn survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Rowe
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amira Allahham
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Dale W. Edgar
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Brittany K. Rurak
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Mark W. Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona M. Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fiona Wood Foundation, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Burn Service of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital, MNH (B) Main Hospital, Level 4, Burns Unit, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Ann-Maree Vallence
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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