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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion - central and peripheral mechanisms

Authors: Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira, Matheus Gomes da S da Paz, Mauro Tupiniquim Bina, Scheila Nogueira Santos, Irina Raicher, Ricardo Galhardoni, Diego Toledo Fernandes, Lin T Yeng, Abrahão F Baptista, Daniel Ciampi de Andrade

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Review

The pain that commonly occurs after brachial plexus avulsion poses an additional burden on the quality of life of patients already impaired by motor, sensory and autonomic deficits. Evidence-based treatments for the pain associated with brachial plexus avulsion are scarce, thus frequently leaving the condition refractory to treatment with the standard methods used to manage neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathophysiology of brachial plexus avulsion. Available evidence indicates that besides primary nerve root injury, central lesions related to the abrupt disconnection of nerve roots from the spinal cord may play an important role in the genesis of neuropathic pain in these patients and may explain in part its refractoriness to treatment.

Conclusions

The understanding of both central and peripheral mechanisms that contribute to the development of pain is of major importance in order to propose more effective treatments for brachial plexus avulsion-related pain. This review focuses on the current understanding about the occurrence of neuropathic pain in these patients and the role played by peripheral and central mechanisms that provides insights into its treatment.

Summary

Pain after brachial plexus avulsion involves both peripheral and central components; thereby it is characterized as a mixed (central and peripheral) neuropathic pain syndrome.
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Metadata
Title
Neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion - central and peripheral mechanisms
Authors
Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
Matheus Gomes da S da Paz
Mauro Tupiniquim Bina
Scheila Nogueira Santos
Irina Raicher
Ricardo Galhardoni
Diego Toledo Fernandes
Lin T Yeng
Abrahão F Baptista
Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-015-0329-x

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