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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Cuneus and fusiform cortices thickness is reduced in trigeminal neuralgia

Authors: Maud Parise, Tadeu Takao Almodovar Kubo, Thomas Martin Doring, Gustavo Tukamoto, Maurice Vincent, Emerson Leandro Gasparetto

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Chronic pain disorders are presumed to induce changes in brain grey and white matters. Few studies have focused CNS alterations in trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

Methods

The aim of this study was to explore changes in white matter microstructure in TN subjects using diffusion tensor images (DTI) with tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS); and cortical thickness changes with surface based morphometry. Twenty-four patients with classical TN (37-67 y-o) and 24 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were included in the study.

Results

Comparing patients with controls, no diffusivity abnormalities of brain white matter were detected. However, a significant reduction in cortical thickness was observed at the left cuneus and left fusiform cortex in the patients group. The thickness of the fusiform cortex correlated negatively with the carbamazepine dose (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Since the cuneus and the fusiform gyrus have been related to the multisensory integration area and cognitive processing, as well as the retrieval of shock perception conveyed by Aδ fibers, our results support the role of these areas in TN pathogenesis. Whether such changes occurs as an epiphenomenon secondary to daily stimulation or represent a structural predisposition to TN in the light of peripheral vascular compression is a matter of future studies.

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Title: Cuneus and fusiform cortices thickness is reduced in trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Maud Parise
Tadeu Takao Almodovar Kubo
Thomas Martin Doring
Gustavo Tukamoto
Maurice Vincent
Emerson Leandro Gasparetto
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-15-17

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Cuneus and fusiform cortices thickness is reduced in trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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