Pregledni rad

Central pain: mechanisms, semiology and treatment

Ivo Lušić ; University department of neurology, University hospital centre Split, Split, Croatia

Sažetak

Pain problems associated with lesion, disorder or dysfunction of the central nervous system are a common and prominent problem. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advances in our understanding of the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of central pain (CP), with emphasis being placed on studies published within the recent years. The incidence, qualities of the pain experience, associated sensory abnormalities, and other characteristics are discussed. Particular attention is paid to CP associated with stroke as the most prominent and best studied of the many CP problems. In general, there is poor understanding of the pathophysiology of CP, problems are often severe and intractable, and treatment is typically difficult. The goal of treatment should be pain reduction rather than complete pain relief. Recent studies have indicated possible roles for tricyclic antidepressants, antiseizure medications, and motor cortex stimulation in the treatment of CP. Surgical procedures have been used for specific causes of CP, but no one surgical technique helps relieve pain over the long term in all CP patients. Perhaps because of the lack of clinical trials, treatment is still largely based on traditional prescribing methods and anecdotal evidence. Our poor understanding of the etiology of central pain and the relative lack of effective treatments emphasize the need for further research into this disorder.

Ključne riječi

central pain; etiology; treatement

Hrčak ID:

42382

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/42382

Datum izdavanja:

20.10.2009.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 3.375 *