Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Measurement & Analysis of the Temporal Discrimination Threshold Applied to Cervical Dystonia
Published on: January 27, 2018
Pain in cervical dystonia: Evidence of abnormal inhibitory control
Michele Tinazzi1, Giovanna Maddalena Squintani2, Kailash P Bhatia3
1Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Introduction:
Several observations would suggest that dystonic pain is not simply muscular in origin. While ascending nociceptive pathways are normal in cervical dystonia, it is unknown whether descending inhibitory pain pathways are also normal.
Methods:
We applied a conditioned pain modulation protocol and concomitantly recorded laser evoked potentials in patients with cervical dystonia (n = 15), blepharospasm (n = 15) and healthy volunteers (n = 15).
Results:
During the application of a heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation, patients with cervical dystonia, but not with blepharospasm, lacked the physiological reduction of the perceived intensity of a painful test stimulus as well as of the related evoked potential. This was observed in cervical dystonia patients regardless of the presence of clinical pain.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that pain in CD is not simply muscular in origin but it also possibly reflects a dysfunction of the descending pain inhibitory control, thus providing a novel venue to explore the pathophysiology of pain in CD.
Related Concept Videos
The Evidence for Evolution
Abnormal Proliferation
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Pain
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

