Articles: neuropathic-pain.
-
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic condition caused by nerve injuries, such as nerve compression. Understanding its underlying neurobiological mechanisms is critical for developing effective treatments. Previous studies have shown that Kinesin family member 1A (Kif1a) heterozygous deficient mice display sensory deficits in response to nociceptive stimuli. ⋯ Furthermore, TET1 knockdown or overexpression significantly affected pain-related behaviors, as well as Kif1a methylation and transcription. Female mice given intrathecal injections of PI3K inhibitors exhibited similar molecular and behavioral outcomes as male mice. These findings offer new insights into NP mechanisms, suggesting that targeting the PI3K/KIF1A axis could be a promising therapeutic approach for NP treatment.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Peripheral Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Neuropathies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
The main objective of this review is to demonstrate the use of Peripheral Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS), together with its most up-to-date protocols, for the treatment of neuropathies. ⋯ PENS requires nurse education on electrode/needle placement and patient instruction, with documentation of key parameters. This review emphasizes the need for further research to establish standardized protocols and optimal application parameters for different neuropathic pain conditions.
-
Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques (NIN), such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), have been extensively researched for their potential to alleviate pain by reversing neuroplastic changes associated with neuropathic pain (NP), a prevalent and complex condition. However, treating NP remains challenging due to the numerous variables involved, such as different techniques, dosages and aetiologies. It is necessary to provide insights for clinicians and public healthcare managers to support clinical decision-making. This umbrella review aims to consolidate existing evidence on the effectiveness of various NIN in managing chronic NP. ⋯ This paper consolidates the evidence regarding non-invasive neuromodulation for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including differentiating the most effective techniques based on the aetiology of pain, and provides clinicians with easy access to this critical information. It also highlights key aspects that require further research in the field of non-invasive neuromodulation and neuropathic pain.
-
The lead symptom of small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is neuropathic pain. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have indicated central changes in SFN patients of different etiologies. However, less is known about brain functional connectivity during acute pain processing in idiopathic SFN. ⋯ We found increased functional connectivity between SMA and thalamus during painful stimulation in patients with idiopathic SFN. Connectivity correlated significantly with intraepidermal nerve fibre density, suggesting a link between peripheral and central pain processing. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating functional connectivity changes as a potential feature of SFN.
-
Sensory profiling in neuropathic pain using quantitative sensory testing (QST) has not been extended to central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating sensory profiles in patients with neuropathic SCI pain. ⋯ The evaluation of sensory phenotypes by quantitative sensory testing in central neuropathic pain due to SCI adds a new perspective on sensory phenotypes in comparison to peripheral neuropathic pain. The described thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia combination might represent involvement of the spinothalamic tract. In addition, there was a trend towards older age and longer time since injury in patients with loss of function.