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Post-treatment lyme syndrome and central sensitization
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|September 13, 2013
Summary
Central sensitization, a key factor in chronic pain, may also drive symptoms in post-treatment Lyme syndrome (PTLS). Research suggests central nervous system treatments could be effective for PTLS sensory issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Central sensitization (CS) is implicated in diverse chronic pain conditions.
- CS involves heightened sensitivity to pain and altered sensory processing.
- Post-treatment Lyme syndrome (PTLS) shares symptom overlap with CS disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of central sensitization.
- To present new data on sensory hyperarousal in PTLS patients.
- To explore CS's role in PTLS symptom chronicity and suggest future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on central sensitization.
- Analysis of sensory hyperarousal data in PTLS.
- Exploration of neurophysiological and treatment research avenues.
Main Results:
- Central sensitization is a potential mechanism in chronic pain disorders.
- New data indicate sensory hyperarousal in individuals with PTLS.
- CS may mediate or worsen sensory processing abnormalities in PTLS.
Conclusions:
- Central sensitization is a plausible mechanism underlying PTLS symptoms.
- Targeting central mechanisms may offer effective treatment strategies for PTLS.
- Further neurophysiologic and clinical research is warranted for PTLS and CS.
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