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Basal ganglia dysfunction in complex regional pain syndrome - A valid hypothesis?
M Azqueta-Gavaldon1,2, H Schulte-Göcking1,2, C Storz2
1Interdisciplinary Pain Unit, Medical Centre of University of Munich, Germany.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|November 3, 2016
Summary
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) involves basal ganglia (BG) dysfunction, leading to movement disorders. Understanding BG pathology is key to developing better CRPS treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood limb pain disorder.
- Maladaptive cortical plasticity is implicated, but subcortical involvement, particularly the basal ganglia (BG), is increasingly recognized.
- CRPS often presents with movement disorders like dystonia and tremor, suggesting BG dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current knowledge regarding basal ganglia (BG) pathology in CRPS.
- To highlight the potential of understanding BG involvement for improved CRPS treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical findings and neuroimaging studies related to BG in CRPS.
- Analysis of functional and anatomical connections between BG, cortical areas, and relevant networks (motor, pain, working memory).
Main Results:
- Clinical data and neuroimaging suggest BG dysfunction contributes to CRPS.
- Abnormalities are noted in BG and connected cortical areas (frontal, parietal, limbic).
- Existing research has largely neglected the subcortical contribution to CRPS.
Conclusions:
- Basal ganglia (BG) dysfunction is a significant factor in CRPS pathophysiology.
- Further research into dynamic cortical and subcortical interactions in CRPS is warranted.
- Understanding BG's role may lead to more effective, mechanism-based CRPS treatments.
