Psychophysical and cerebral responses to heat stimulation in patients with central pain, painless central sensory loss, and in healthy persons

摘要: Patients with central pain (CP) typically have chronic within an area of reduced and temperature sensation, suggesting impairment endogenous modulation mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that some brain structures normally activated by cutaneous heat stimulation would be hyperresponsive among patients CP but not a nervous system lesion causing loss or nociceptive sensation no (NP). used H(2)(15)O positron emission tomography to measure, in 15 healthy control participants, 10 NP patients, increases regional cerebral blood flow volumes interest (VOI) from resting (no stimulus) condition during bilateral contact at detection, threshold, tolerance levels. Both patient groups had perception intensity unpleasantness on clinically affected side detection. Compared HC group, both more hyperactive hypoactive VOI state hyporesponsive stimulation. intralaminar thalamus sensory-motor cortex Our results show focal CNS lesions produce sensory deficits widespread changes excitability brain. The increased our sample suggests underlying pathophysiology for syndromes.