Advances in targeting central sensitization and brain plasticity in chronic pain

• Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery Vol. 58; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Bazzari, Amjad H, Bazzari, Firas H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Springer Nature B.V 01-04-2022; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Brain research; Chronic pain; Cognitive therapy; Gene expression; Hyperalgesia; Kinases; Memory; Neuromodulation; Neuropathic pain; Neuropeptides; Neurostimulation; Nociception; Pain; Phantom limb; Proteins; Psychiatry; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 1110-1083; 1687-8329
• DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00472-y

Maladaptation in sensory neural plasticity of nociceptive pathways is associated with various types of chronic pain through central sensitization and remodeling of brain connectivity. Within this context, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the mechanisms and efficacy of certain non-pharmacological pain treatment modalities. These include neurostimulation, virtual reality, cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. Here, we summarize the involved mechanisms and review novel findings in relation to nociceptive desensitization and modulation of plasticity for the management of intractable chronic pain and prevention of acute-to-chronic pain transition.