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Somatosensory cortex stimulation for deafferentation pain.
D De Ridder1, G De Mulder, E Verstraeten
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. dirk.de.ridder@neurosurgery.be
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|August 19, 2007
Summary
This study explores modifying somatosensory cortex hyperactivity to treat deafferentation pain. Neuronavigation-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and epidural electrode stimulation show promise for pain suppression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Deafferentation pain intensity correlates with primary somatosensory cortex reorganization.
- This cortical reorganization is reversible upon pain attenuation.
- Somatosensory thalamus and cortex hyperactivity are linked to deafferentation pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate modifying somatosensory cortex hyperactivity and reorganization for pain suppression.
- To evaluate neuronavigation-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for deafferentation pain.
- To explore epidural stimulating electrodes as a treatment for deafferentation pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing neuronavigation-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to modulate cortical activity.
- Implanting epidural stimulating electrodes over abnormal signal areas in the primary somatosensory cortex.
- Reviewing recent reports and presenting original studies in the field.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant pain suppression observed in all patients.
- Clinically significant pain suppression achieved in 80% of patients.
- Demonstrated feasibility of neurophysiology-based pain treatment.
Conclusions:
- Somatosensory cortex stimulation is a potential neurophysiology-based treatment for deafferentation pain.
- Modulating somatosensory cortex hyperactivity and reorganization can suppress pain.
- Further research supports epidural stimulation for selected patients.
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