Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on supernumerary phantom limb pain in spinal cord injured patient: A case report

World Journal of Clinical Cases, 2024 · DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.3177 · Published: June 16, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) sensation is when someone feels like they have extra limbs. This is rare after spinal cord injuries, and the pain associated with it is unique. This case report explores using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to help with this pain. The patient received tDCS for 15 minutes at an intensity of 1.5 mA. After the management, the patient experienced a decrease in SPL pain intensity and frequency.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

A 57-year-old man with complete spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Case report

Key Findings

1
The patient experienced a decrease of SPL pain intensity and frequency, which lasted for 1 week after the end of treatment.
2
BDI score also showed improvement after tDCS treatment
3
Side effects related to tDCS were not reported.

Research Summary

This case report describes the successful use of tDCS to treat SPL pain in a high cervical cord injured patient. Results of this case suggest that a two-week treatment of motor cortex stimulation with tDCS could provide some relief for SPL pain. Targeting the motor cortex through neuromodulation appears to be a promising option for the management of supernumerary phantom limb pain.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Option

tDCS may offer a non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing SPL pain in spinal cord injury patients.

Improved Mood

tDCS treatment might alleviate depressive symptoms associated with SPL pain.

Future Research

Further studies are warranted to establish a standardized protocol for tDCS and to understand the mechanisms of SPL pain.

Study Limitations

1
Inability to assess long-term effects of tDCS treatment on SPL pain.
2
The exact mechanisms underlying SPL pain treatment are not yet clearly understood.
3
The patient's symptoms had a subacute onset, which did not completely exclude the possibility of spontaneous neural recovery.

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