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Chronic (neuropathic) corneal pain and blepharospasm: five case reports
David Borsook1, Perry Rosenthal
1Center for Pain and the Brain, McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Boston Foundation for Sight, Needham, MA, USA.
Pain
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Corneal pain, often called dry eye, may be a neuropathic condition. This study found nerve plexus changes and blepharospasm in patients, suggesting basal ganglia involvement in both corneal pain and dystonia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome are linked to focal dystonias.
- Corneal pain, commonly known as dry eye, is potentially a neuropathic pain condition.
- Neuropathic pain may involve abnormalities in the nerve plexus.
Observation:
- Five case histories of patients with defined corneal pain and neuropathic features were analyzed.
- Objective measures revealed changes in the nerve plexus of these patients.
- Associated blepharospasm was observed in conjunction with corneal pain.
Findings:
- The study identified abnormalities in the corneal nerve plexus in patients experiencing neuropathic corneal pain.
- Blepharospasm was a consistent finding alongside corneal pain and neuropathic features.
- A potential relationship between corneal pain and blepharospasm was noted.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a possible link between corneal pain and blepharospasm.
- This relationship may indicate the involvement of the basal ganglia in both conditions.
- Further research could explore basal ganglia pathways in neuropathic corneal pain and dystonia.
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