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Lütolf R, Rosner J, Curt A, Hubli M. Indicators of central sensitization in chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:2162-2175. [PMID: 36008094 PMCID: PMC9826442 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central sensitization is considered a key mechanism underlying neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Two novel proxies for central sensitization were investigated in thoracic SCI subjects with (SCI-NP) and without NP (SCI-nonNP) compared to healthy controls (HC). Specifically, temporal summation of pain (TSP) was investigated by examining pain ratings during a 2-min tonic heat application to the volar forearm. Additionally, palmar heat-induced sympathetic skin responses (SSR) were recorded in order to reveal changes in pain-autonomic interaction above the lesion level. Pain extent was assessed as the percentage of the body area and the number of body regions being affected by NP. RESULTS Enhanced TSP was observed in SCI-NP (+66%) compared to SCI-nonNP (-75%, p = 0.009) and HC (-59%, p = 0.021). In contrast, no group differences were found (p = 0.685) for SSR habituation. However, pain extent in SCI-NP was positively correlated with deficient SSR habituation (body area: r = 0.561, p = 0.024; body regions: r = 0.564, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS These results support the value of TSP and heat-induced SSRs as proxies for central sensitization in widespread neuropathic pain syndromes after SCI. Measures of pain-autonomic interaction emerged as a promising tool for the objective investigation of sensitized neuronal states in chronic pain conditions. SIGNIFICANCE We present two surrogate readouts for central sensitization in neuropathic pain following SCI. On the one hand, temporal summation of tonic heat pain is enhanced in subjects with neuropathic pain. On the other hand, pain-autonomic interaction reveals potential advanced measures in chronic pain, as subjects with a high extent of neuropathic pain showed diminished habituation of pain-induced sympathetic measures. A possible implication for clinical practice is constituted by an improved assessment of neuronal hyperexcitability potentially enabling mechanism-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lütolf
- Spinal Cord Injury CenterBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury CenterBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland,Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury CenterBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Michèle Hubli
- Spinal Cord Injury CenterBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Lütolf R, De Schoenmacker I, Rosner J, Sirucek L, Schweinhardt P, Curt A, Hubli M. Anti- and Pro-Nociceptive mechanisms in neuropathic pain after human spinal cord injury. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:2176-2187. [PMID: 36000307 PMCID: PMC9826499 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficient endogenous pain modulation and increased nociceptive excitability are key features of central sensitization and can be assessed in humans by conditioned pain modulation (CPM, anti-nociceptive) and temporal summation of pain (TSP, pro-nociceptive), respectively. This study aimed to investigate these measures as proxies for central sensitization in subjects with chronic neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS In paraplegic subjects with NP (SCI-NP; n = 17) and healthy controls (HC; n = 17), parallel and sequential sham-controlled CPM paradigms were performed using pressure pain threshold at the hand, that is, above lesion level, as test stimulus. The conditioning stimulus was a noxious cold (verum) or lukewarm water bath (sham) applied contralaterally. Regarding pro-nociceptive mechanisms, a TSP protocol with individually-adjusted pressure pain stimuli at the thenar eminence was used. CPM and TSP magnitudes were related to intensity and spatial extent of spontaneous NP. RESULTS Neither the parallel nor sequential sham-controlled CPM paradigm showed any significant inhibition of above-level pressure pain thresholds for SCI-NP or HC. Accordingly, no group difference in CPM capacity was found, however, subjects with more intense spontaneous NP showed lower inhibitory CPM capacity. TSP was observed for both groups but was not enhanced in SCI-NP. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not support altered above-level anti- or pro-nociceptive mechanisms in SCI-NP compared with HC; however, they also highlight the relevance of spontaneous NP intensity with regards to the capacity of endogenous pain modulation in SCI subjects. SIGNIFICANCE Central sensitization encompasses deficient endogenous pain modulation and increased nociceptive excitability. These two mechanisms can be assessed in humans by conditioned pain modulation and temporal summation of pain, respectively. Our data demonstrates a lack of descending pain inhibition only in subjects with severe neuropathic pain which may hint towards central sensitization at spinal and/or supra-spinal levels. Disentangling the mechanisms of endogenous pain modulation and neuronal hyperexcitability might improve mechanism-based treatment of neuropathic pain in subjects with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lütolf
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Iara De Schoenmacker
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland,Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Laura Sirucek
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic MedicineBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Integrative Spinal Research, Department of Chiropractic MedicineBalgrist University Hospital, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Michèle Hubli
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University HospitalUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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C-tactile touch perception in patients with chronic pain disorders. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e941. [PMID: 34235344 PMCID: PMC8253581 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. C-tactile stimulation in patients with chronic pain results in reduced pleasantness perception. Results suggest impaired C-tactile function with functional loss of pleasant touch perception in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Introduction: Slow brushing over the skin activates C-tactile nerve fibers that transmit pleasant tactile experiences in healthy subjects, leading to an inverted U-shaped velocity dependence of ratings: C-tactile optimal stroking stimulations are rated as more pleasant than slower or faster stimulations. Chronic pain diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and complex regional pain syndrome show altered C-fiber innervation density, sensory loss, and pain sensitization. Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether C-tactile function is affected in painful conditions. Methods: We assessed psychophysically C-tactile function and sensory perception thresholds in 16 patients with PHN, 19 patients with complex regional pain syndrome, and 22 healthy controls. Results: Assessment of C-tactile function showed a significantly altered perceived pleasantness of CT stimulation between healthy controls and patients with chronic pain. In specific, tactile stimulation was perceived less pleasant on the affected and contralateral side when compared with controls. In patients with PHN, velocity-dependent pleasantness ratings could not be obtained, suggesting highly impaired C-tactile function with functional loss of pleasant touch perception. Conclusions: In conclusion, this is the first report of impaired C-tactile function in patients with PHN. Reduced pleasantness resulting from gentle touch can reflect defective C-fiber function or result from central nervous system effects in a chronic pain state.
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Ferland CE, Villemure C, Michon PE, Gandhi W, Ma ML, Chouchou F, Parent AJ, Bushnell MC, Lavigne G, Rainville P, Ware MA, Jackson PL, Schweinhardt P, Marchand S. Multicenter assessment of quantitative sensory testing (QST) for the detection of neuropathic-like pain responses using the topical capsaicin model. Can J Pain 2018; 2:266-279. [PMID: 35005384 PMCID: PMC8730652 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2018.1525682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background The use of quantitative sensory testing (QST) in multicenter studies has been quite limited, due in part to lack of standardized procedures among centers. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the application of the capsaicin pain model as a surrogate experimental human model of neuropathic pain in different centers and verify the variation in reports of QST measures across centers. Methods A multicenter study conducted by the Quebec Pain Research Network in six laboratories allowed the evaluation of nine QST parameters in 60 healthy subjects treated with topical capsaicin to model unilateral pain and allodynia. The same measurements (without capsaicin) were taken in 20 patients with chronic neuropathic pain recruited from an independent pain clinic. Results Results revealed that six parameters detected a significant difference between the capsaicin-treated and the control skin areas: (1) cold detection threshold (CDT) and (2) cold pain threshold (CPT) are lower on the capsaicin-treated side, indicating a decreased in cold sensitivity; (3) heat pain threshold (HPT) was lower on the capsaicin-treated side in healthy subjects, suggesting an increased heat pain sensitivity; (4) dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA); (5) mechanical pain after two stimulations (MPS2); and (6) mechanical pain summation after ten stimulations (MPS10), are increased on the capsaicin-treated side, suggesting an increased in mechanical pain (P < 0.002). CDT, CPT and HPT showed comparable effects across all six centers, with CPT and HPT demonstrating the best sensitivity. Data from the patients showed significant difference between affected and unaffected body side but only with CDT. Conclusion These results provide further support for the application of QST in multicenter studies examining normal and pathological pain responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Ferland
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Research Centre, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Chantal Villemure
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Michon
- Division des Neurosciences cliniques et cognitives, centre de recherche CERVO, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Wiebke Gandhi
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - My-Linh Ma
- Research Centre, Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Florian Chouchou
- Département santé buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre J Parent
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - M Catherine Bushnell
- National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gilles Lavigne
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Département santé buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Rainville
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Département de stomatologie, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark A Ware
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philip L Jackson
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Division des Neurosciences cliniques et cognitives, centre de recherche CERVO, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,School of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Marchand
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Québec, Canada
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Blume KR, Racz J, Franz M, Dietrich C, Puta C, Friedel R, Hofmann GO, Miltner WHR, Weiss T. Quantitative sensory testing after macroreplantation: evidence for a specific somatosensory profile. Pain 2018; 159:1289-1296. [PMID: 29554015 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive functional recovery is one of the criteria for successful replantation of an amputated limb. Functionality of a replanted limb is strongly dependent on its regained sensibility. In previous studies concerning the sensibility of replanted limbs, only a few somatosensory submodalities were examined in small samples. The purpose of this study is to provide a full pattern of somatosensory symptoms after replantation. Quantitative sensory testing was performed according to a standardized protocol in a sample of 15 patients who underwent replantation of their upper limb proximal to the radiocarpal joint (macroreplantation). Results indicate that most of these patients showed a specific somatosensory profile characterized by thermal and mechanical hypoesthesia and hyperalgesia in response to pressure pain, whereas no single case of hyperalgesia to heat pain occurred. This distinct profile of impaired somatosensation shares some features of the somatosensory profile of neuropathic pain syndromes. Patients' limbs that were replanted many years before the present quantitative sensory testing showed more sensory deficits than patients with more recent replantations. This knowledge might be helpful in the development of more specific and more successful rehabilitation programs with replanted patients and improves the behavioral function of the replanted limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin R Blume
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Juliane Racz
- Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Franz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Caroline Dietrich
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Friedel
- Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Gunther O Hofmann
- Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannstrost, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Weiss
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Baeumler PI, Fleckenstein J, Takayama S, Simang M, Seki T, Irnich D. Effects of acupuncture on sensory perception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113731. [PMID: 25502787 PMCID: PMC4264748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of acupuncture on sensory perception has never been systematically reviewed; although, studies on acupuncture mechanisms are frequently based on the idea that changes in sensory thresholds reflect its effect on the nervous system. METHODS Pubmed, EMBASE and Scopus were screened for studies investigating the effect of acupuncture on thermal or mechanical detection or pain thresholds in humans published in English or German. A meta-analysis of high quality studies was performed. RESULTS Out of 3007 identified articles 85 were included. Sixty five studies showed that acupuncture affects at least one sensory threshold. Most studies assessed the pressure pain threshold of which 80% reported an increase after acupuncture. Significant short- and long-term effects on the pressure pain threshold in pain patients were revealed by two meta-analyses including four and two high quality studies, respectively. In over 60% of studies, acupuncture reduced sensitivity to noxious thermal stimuli, but measuring methods might influence results. Few but consistent data indicate that acupuncture reduces pin-prick like pain but not mechanical detection. Results on thermal detection are heterogeneous. Sensory threshold changes were equally frequent reported after manual acupuncture as after electroacupuncture. Among 48 sham-controlled studies, 25 showed stronger effects on sensory thresholds through verum than through sham acupuncture, but in 9 studies significant threshold changes were also observed after sham acupuncture. Overall, there is a lack of high quality acupuncture studies applying comprehensive assessments of sensory perception. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that acupuncture affects sensory perception. Results are most compelling for the pressure pain threshold, especially in pain conditions associated with tenderness. Sham acupuncture can also cause such effects. Future studies should incorporate comprehensive, standardized assessments of sensory profiles in order to fully characterize its effect on sensory perception and to explore the predictive value of sensory profiles for the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra I. Baeumler
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Fleckenstein
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Shin Takayama
- Department of Traditional Asian Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michael Simang
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Sciences, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Takashi Seki
- Department of Traditional Asian Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Dominik Irnich
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Kothari S, Baad-Hansen L, Andersen K, Svensson P. Neurosensory assessment in patients with total reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014; 43:1096-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Identification of neuropathic pain in patients with neck/upper limb pain: Application of a grading system and screening tools. Pain 2013; 154:2813-2822. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Förster M, Mahn F, Gockel U, Brosz M, Freynhagen R, Tölle TR, Baron R. Axial low back pain: one painful area--many perceptions and mechanisms. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68273. [PMID: 23844179 PMCID: PMC3699535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Axial low back pain can be considered as a syndrome with both nociceptive and neuropathic pain components (mixed-pain). Especially neuropathic pain comprises a therapeutic challenge in practical experience and may explain why pharmacotherapy in back pain is often disappointing for both the patient and the therapist. This survey uses epidemiological and clinical data on the symptomatology of 1083 patients with axial low back pain from a cross sectional survey (painDETECT). Objectives were (1) to estimate whether neuropathic pain contributes to axial low back pain and if so to what extent. (2) To detect subgroups of patients with typical sensory symptom profiles and to analyse their demographic data and co-morbidities. (3) To compare patients with and without prior intervertebral disc surgery (IVD). Neuropathic pain components could be detected in 12% of the entire cohort. Cluster analyses of these patients revealed five distinct subgroups of patients showing a characteristic sensory profile, i.e. a typical constellation and combination of symptoms. All subgroups occurred in relevant numbers and some showed distinct neuropathic characteristics while others showed nociceptive features. Post-IVD-surgery patients showed a tendency to score more “neuropathic” than patients without surgery (not statistically significant). Axial low back pain has a high prevalence of co-morbidities with implication on therapeutic aspects. From these data it can be concluded that sensory profiles based on descriptor severity may serve as a better predictor for therapy assessment than pain intensity or sole diagnosis alone. Standardized phenotyping of pain symptoms with easy tools may help to develop an individualized therapy leading to a higher success rate in pharmacotherapy of axial low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Förster
- Sektion Neurologische Schmerzforschung und–therapie, Klinik für Neurologie Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Friederike Mahn
- Sektion Neurologische Schmerzforschung und–therapie, Klinik für Neurologie Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Freynhagen
- Zentrum für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Schmerztherapie und Palliativmedizin, Benedictus Krankenhaus Tutzing, Tutzing, Germany
| | - Thomas R. Tölle
- Klinik für Neurologie, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Ralf Baron
- Sektion Neurologische Schmerzforschung und–therapie, Klinik für Neurologie Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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