BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Central sensitization is an important phenomenon for pain chronicity and is present in neuropathic pain. This study aimed at addressing some pathophysiological aspects of this phenomenon. CONTENTS: Some extra and intracellular aspects responsible for central sensitization genesis, especially phenotypic changes in plasticity of neurons involved in the process are described. CONCLUSION: Pain chronicity may result from changes in central nervous system neurons properties by the central sensitization phenomenon with constant changes in membrane excitability, inhibitory transmission reduction and increase in synaptic efficacy mediated by several convergent and divergent molecular mechanisms over a background of phenotypic and structural changes. Neuroplasticity deeply alters painful sensation, contributing for many clinical painful syndromes and may represent a major target for therapeutic intervention. Keywords: Central sensitization, Ionophores, Neural plasticity, Neuropathic pain.
RESUMO
JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS:A sensibilização central é um fenômeno importante na cronificação da dor e presente na dor neuropática. O objetivo deste estudo foi abordar alguns aspectos fisiopatológicos deste fenômeno. CONTEÚDO: São descritos alguns aspectos extra e intracelular responsável pela gênese da sensibilização central, principalmente aspectos de alterações fenotípicas que ocorrem na plasticidade dos neurônios envolvidos no processo. CONCLUSÃO: A cronificação da dor pode surgir como resultado de alterações nas propriedades dos neurônios no sistema nervoso central pelo fenômeno da sensibilização central com constantes mudanças e alterações na excitabilidade da membrana, reduções na transmissão inibitória e aumento da eficácia sináptica, mediada por muitos convergentes e divergentes mecanismos moleculares sobre um fundo de modificações fenotípicas e alterações estruturais. A neuroplasticidade altera profundamente a sensação dolorosa, contribuindo para muitas síndromes clínicas da dor e pode representar um importante alvo para intervenção terapêutica.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency (RF) is an alternate current with oscillation frequency of 500,000 Hz, which has been successfully used to treat some morbidities evolving with chronic pain. This case report aimed at showing the successful use of sural nerve pulsed RF to treat chronic ankle pain. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 60 years old, with right ankle pain for five years, refractory to treatment with opioids, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), dipirone, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, physical therapy, localized infiltrations, acupuncture and insole. Patient was submitted to right sural nerve pulsed RF. Needle was inserted in the line between the Achilles tendon and lateral malleolus, initial Achilles tendon region and final soleus and gastrocnemius muscles region. Sensory stimulation to identify the sural nerve was with 0.5 volts and 50 Hz. Pulsed current was applied for 140 seconds with 45 volts and temperature of up to 42 o C. Patient was submitted to two sessions with improvement of approximately 80% of pain, allowing her to walk or to remain standing up without major difficulties. CONCLUSION: Sural nerve pulsed RF may be an option to control chronic ankle pain.
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