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[Neuropathic pain and neuroplasticity in functional imaging studies]
C Maihöfner1, F T Nickel, F Seifert
1Neurologische Klinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 , Erlangen, Deutschland. christian.maihoefner@uk-erlangen.de
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany)
|April 9, 2010
Summary
Neuropathic pain involves brain changes, including cortical map reorganization and altered neurotransmitter systems. Advanced imaging reveals structural brain changes, suggesting neurodegeneration in chronic pain syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Neuropathic pain syndromes present with spontaneous and stimulus-induced pain, including hyperalgesia and allodynia.
- Peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms are understood, but cerebral processing remains debated.
- Neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, MEG, and PET offer new insights into aberrant brain processing in neuropathic pain.
Purpose:
- To review cerebral mechanisms contributing to the chronicity of neuropathic pain syndromes.
- To synthesize findings from neuroimaging studies on brain processing in chronic pain.
- To explore structural and functional brain changes associated with neuropathic pain.
Summary:
- Cerebral mechanisms include cortical somatotopic map reorganization, heightened activity in nociceptive areas, recruitment of novel cortical regions, and aberrant activity in descending pain inhibitory networks.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) studies indicate alterations in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems.
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) reveals structural brain changes, suggesting potential neurodegeneration in chronic pain.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of brain mechanisms in neuropathic pain chronicity.
- Highlights the role of neuroimaging in elucidating complex pain processing.
- Suggests that chronic pain may involve neurodegenerative processes, opening avenues for future research and therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).