Effective Connectivity in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Sensors, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22176337 · Published: August 23, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines how spinal cord injury (SCI) and the resulting nerve pain (CNP) affect brain connectivity during imagined leg movements. EEG was used to measure brain activity in able-bodied individuals, SCI patients with CNP, and SCI patients without CNP during motor imagery of the legs. The findings could potentially help in developing brain-targeted therapies to alleviate CNP and promote motor recovery after SCI.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

10 able-bodied, 10 SCI with CNP, 20 SCI without CNP

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Subacute SCI appears to decrease connectivity from the supplementary motor area and increase connectivity to and from the secondary somatosensory cortex.
2
Central neuropathic pain seems to reverse the connectivity changes caused by spinal cord injury.
3
The right secondary somatosensory cortex showed increased outflow to all pain areas in SCI groups, irrespective of CNP status.

Research Summary

The study aimed to differentiate the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) and central neuropathic pain (CNP) on effective connectivity during motor imagery of legs. Multichannel EEG was recorded during motor imagery of the legs in able-bodied individuals, SCI patients with CNP, and SCI patients without CNP. The differences between groups were independent of the frequency band, and the study found that paralysis affected connectivity more than CNP in the subacute phase.

Practical Implications

Neurofeedback Target

The SMA could be the most likely therapeutic target for neurofeedback-based SCI treatments to enhance motor recovery.

Somatosensory Stimulation

The results of this study support somatosensory stimulation because as the somatosensory areas get more connected to the corticospinal tract via an increase in afferent (sensory) inputs, the hyperconnectivity of those areas can decrease for efferent (motor) output.

CNP Monitoring

CNP status should be monitored through these interventions as changes in sensory connectivity might be related to both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity.

Effective Connectivity in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Neurofeedback Target

Somatosensory Stimulation

CNP Monitoring

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Effective Connectivity in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Neurofeedback Target

Somatosensory Stimulation

CNP Monitoring

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?