Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Pain, Fatigue, and Health Quality of Life of Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for pain, fatigue, physical function, and health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover clinical trial enrolled IIM patients with fatigue and pain who received tDCS (20 min, 2 mA) or sham stimulation for 10 daily sessions. Electrodes were placed according to the 10/20 EEG system. Both the groups underwent aerobic exercise training during the intervention period. The patients were evaluated for disease perception, pain, and fatigue using uni-multidimensional questionnaires and physical tests in the periods before and after the first and second interventions and after 12 weeks of follow-up. Results: After the tDCS intervention, a reduction in the general score of multidimensional pain of 32.0 (1.5-38.0) vs. 0.0 (0.0-13.4) with effect size (ES) of -0.78 was noted, and after sham intervention, a reduction of 26.0 (0.0-37.0) vs. 5.0 (0.0-19.2) with ES of -0.54 (P = 0.047) was also noted. Similar results were evidenced with fatigue (22.5 (15.4-33.2) vs. 5.5 (0.0-14.6) with ES of -0.82) and sham intervention (21.0 (15.8-29.5) vs. 4.0 (4.0-17.5) with ES of -0.80 (P = 0.012)). There were no differences in the domains of the fatigue and pain questionnaires. Adherence was observed in 88.8% of the patients without adverse events. Conclusion: The association of tDCS with aerobic training promoted additional effects in relation to the group subjected to placebo stimulation on general pain and fatigue scores, as well as on pain intensity, without changes in the subdomains of the pain and fatigue questionnaire. This trial is registered with NCT04678635.

Clinical profile of pain in post-COVID-19 patients: systematic review / Perfil clínico da dor em pacientes no pós-COVID-19: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although research shows that pain is more frequent during COVID-19 infection, little is known about the characterization of pain and factors that influence its permanence after infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the clinical profile of pain in post-COVID-19 patients. CONTENTS: This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Articles were searched from November 2021 to November 2022 in the Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and PsycINFO databases. Five observational studies were included for qualitative synthesis. There was an increase in the intensity of pain in all regions of the body during the infection when compared to the pre-infection state, remaining after the infection. The most reported post-COVID-19 pains are: neuropathic pain, generalized pain and pain in the cervical region. The average duration of post-COVID-19 pain was six months. CONCLUSION: There is persistence of pain after infection with the new coronavirus, with the presence of "new pain" and "new chronic pain", and the worsening of pain in specific groups that had COVID-19.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Embora as pesquisas evidenciem o quadro álgico mais frequente durante a infecção da COVID-19, pouco se sabe sobre a caracterização da dor e fatores que influenciam sua permanência após a infecção. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil clínico de dor em pacientes pós-COVID-19. CONTEÚDO: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática conduzida conforme as recomendações Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Os artigos foram pesquisados no período de novembro de 2021 a novembro de 2022, no banco de dados Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane e PsycINFO. Foram incluídos cinco estudos observacionais para síntese qualitativa. Evidenciou-se um aumento da intensidade da dor em todas as regiões do corpo durante a infecção quando comparado com o estado pré-infecção, mantendo-se após a infecção. As dores mais relatadas pós-COVID-19 foram dor neuropática, dor generalizada e dor na região cervical. A média de tempo da dor no pós-COVID-19 foi de seis meses. CONCLUSÃO: Há persistência da dor após infecção pelo novo coronavírus, com a presença de "dor nova" e "dor crônica nova", e a piora da dor em grupos específicos que tiveram COVID-19.

Time perception and pain: Can a temporal illusion reduce the intensity of pain?

It is commonly known-and previous studies have indicated-that time appears to last longer during unpleasant situations. This study examined whether a reciprocal statement can be made-that is, whether changes in the perception of time can influence our judgment (or rating) of a negative event. We used a temporal illusion method (Pomares et al. Pain 152, 230-234, 2011) to induce distortions in the perception of time. Two stimuli were presented for a constant time: a full clock, which stayed on the screen until its clock hand completed a full rotation (360°); and a short clock, in which the clock hand moved just three-quarters of the way (270°), thus suggesting a reduced interval duration. However, both stimuli were shown for the same amount of time. We specifically investigated (a) whether we could induce a temporal illusion with this simple visual manipulation, and (b) whether this illusion could change participants' ratings of a painful stimulus. In Experiment I (n = 22), to answer (a) above, participants were asked to reproduce the duration in which the different clocks were presented. In Experiment II (n = 30), a painful thermal stimulation was applied on participants' hands while the clocks were shown. Participants were asked to rate the perceived intensity of their pain, and to reproduce its duration. Results showed that, for both experiments, participants reproduced a longer interval after watching the full clock compared with the short clock, confirming that the clock manipulation was able to induce a temporal illusion. Furthermore, the second experiment showed that participants rated the thermal stimuli as less painful when delivered with the short clock than with the full clock. These findings suggest that temporal distortions can modulate the experience of pain.

Sickle cell disease chronic joint pain: Clinical assessment based on maladaptive central nervous system plasticity.

Chronic joint pain (CJP) is among the significant musculoskeletal comorbidities in sickle cell disease (SCD) individuals. However, many healthcare professionals have difficulties in understanding and evaluating it. In addition, most musculoskeletal evaluation procedures do not consider central nervous system (CNS) plasticity associated with CJP, which is frequently maladaptive. This review study highlights the potential mechanisms of CNS maladaptive plasticity related to CJP in SCD and proposes reliable instruments and methods for musculoskeletal assessment adapted to those patients. A review was carried out in the PubMed and SciELO databases, searching for information that could help in the understanding of the mechanisms of CNS maladaptive plasticity related to pain in SCD and that presented assessment instruments/methods that could be used in the clinical setting by healthcare professionals who manage chronic pain in SCD individuals. Some maladaptive CNS plasticity mechanisms seem important in CJP, including the impairment of pain endogenous control systems, central sensitization, motor cortex reorganization, motor control modification, and arthrogenic muscle inhibition. Understanding the link between maladaptive CNS plasticity and CJP mechanisms and its assessment through accurate instruments and methods may help healthcare professionals to increase the quality of treatment offered to SCD patients.

Physical exercise in the control of pain or fatigue associated with viral infections: systematic review / Exercícios físicos no controle de dor ou fadiga associadas às infecções virais: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Individuals after viral infections remain with persistent symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Physical exercises have been described as a promising alternative for the control of these symptoms, but there are no systematic reviews that verify the effectiveness of this therapy and that assess the quality of these studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical exercise on pain or fatigue associated with viral infections. METHODS: Systematic review registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021265174). Data collection was carried out between July 2021 and January 2022. Randomized clinical trials that addressed the practice of exercises, in individuals over 18 years of age, diagnosed with viral infection associated with the presence of pain or fatigue for more than 3 months were included. The search was carried out in the Pubmed, EMBASE, LILACS and Scielo databases, and the paired selection was carried out in the software (rayyan.ai); risk of bias analysis was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials 2; certainty of evidence through GRADE; and for the construction of the meta-analysis, the Review Manager software. RESULTS: Eleven clinical trials were selected in populations with acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), chikungunya and poliomyelitis. For both pain and fatigue, the combination of aerobic exercise with resistance training, lasting 40 to 60 minutes, two to three times a week, was effective and safe. The methodological quality of the studies showed a high risk of bias in six studies due to the following domains: bias due to deviations from the intended interventions, bias due to lack of outcome data and bias in the selection of the reported outcome; rated as some concerns in one study due to the domain bias due to deviations from intended interventions; and the others were assessed as low risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a result in favor of the intervention group on pain intensity in the studies for Chikungunya and in a study for HTLV, which points to a positive effect in favor of the active groups. CONCLUSION: Exercises for the treatment of fatigue have very low evidence, while resistance exercises have moderate evidence for pain outcome. These are low-risk, low-cost resources with promising effects that should be better tested in people after viral infections.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Indivíduos após infecções virais permanecem com sintomas persistentes, como a dor e a fadiga. Exercícios físicos têm sido descritos como alternativa promissora para o controle desses sintomas, porém não há revisões sistemáticas que verifquem a eficácia dessa terapêutica e que avaliem a qualidade destes estudos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito de exercícios físicos na dor ou fadiga associados a infecções virais. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática registrada na PROSPERO (CRD42021265174). A coleta de dados foi realizada entre julho de 2021 a janeiro de 2022. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados que abordaram a prática de exercícios, em indivíduos com idade superior a 18 anos, com diagnóstico de infecção viral associada à presença de dor ou fadiga por mais de três meses. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, EMBASE, LILACS e Scielo e, a seleção por pares foi realizada no software (rayyan.ai); a análise de risco de viés foi avaliada através da ferramenta Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials 2; a certeza da evidência por meio da GRADE; e para a construção da meta-análise, o software Review Manager. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 11 ensaios clínicos nas populações com Vírus da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (HIV), Virus Linfotrópico da Célula T Humana (HTLV), Chikungunya e Poliomielite. Tanto para dor quanto para a fadiga, a conjunção de exercícios aeróbicos com treino resistido, com duração de 40 a 60 minutos, de duas a três vezes por semana, foram eficazes e seguros. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos demonstrou em seis estudos alto risco de viés, devido aos domínios: viés devido a desvios das intervenções pretendidas, viés devido à falta de dados de resultado e viés na seleção do resultado relatado; classificado como algumas preocupações em um estudo devido o domínio viés devido a desvios das intervenções pretendidas; e os demais foram avaliados como baixo risco de viés. Na meta-análise foi demonstrado resultado a favor do grupo intervenção sobre a intensidade da dor nos estudos para Chikungunya e em um estudo para HTLV, o que aponta para efeito positivo a favor dos grupos ativos. CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios físicos no tratamento da fadiga apresentam evidências muito baixas, enquanto para o desfecho dor os exercícios resistidos apresentam moderada evidência. São recursos de baixo risco e custo, com efeitos promissores, que devem ser melhor testados em pessoas após infecções virais. DESTAQUES O treinamento aeróbico combinado com o treinamento de resistência mostra resultados promissores para reduzir a dor e a fadiga nesta população após a infecção viral. O Pilates é um método que reduz significativamente a intensidade da dor após infecções por HTLV-1 e Chikungunya. O exercício pode beneficiar pessoas com sintomas persistentes de dor e fadiga após infecções

Does anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over left motor cortex show body side pain-related difference in fibromyalgia? / A estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua anódica sobre o córtex motor esquerdo apresenta diferença na dor entre os hemicorpos na fibromialgia?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain resulting in central sensitization of nociceptive signaling. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left motor cortex (M1) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique indicated for a broad range of chronic pain disorders, including FM. Studies suggest that left and right M1 (contralateral and ipsilateral hemisphere of tDCS stimulation) are modulated. But it is necessary to clarify the differences in clinical pain perception comparing the right and left side of the body. This study aimed to evaluate the pain-related difference between right-left side of the body after five sessions of anodal tDCS in women with FM. METHODS: A double-blinded, parallel, randomized, sham-controlled trial with 30 women with FM was performed. Five sessions of anodal C3 and cathodal supraorbital (Fp2) tDCS were conducted (2 mA for 20 min). Pain, impact of FM and anxiety were evaluated. No statistically significant three-way interaction between time, stimulation type and body side were found. RESULTS: Active-tDCS showed significant improvement in pain, but impact of FM and anxiety did not show significant improvement. CONCLUSION: Five sessions of anodal tDCS over the left M1 improves pain in women with FM, however there was no difference between right-left body sides.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A fibromialgia (FM) é uma dor musculoesquelética crônica generalizada que resulta na sensibilização central da sinalização nociceptiva. A estimulação transcraniana de corrente contínua (eTCC) sobre o córtex motor esquerdo (M1) é uma técnica de neuromodulação não invasiva indicada para uma ampla gama de distúrbios de dor crônica, incluindo a FM. Estudos sugerem a modulação do M1 esquerdo e direito (hemisfério contralateral e ipsilateral da eTCC). Mas é necessário esclarecer as diferenças na percepção clínica da dor comparando os lados direito e esquerdo do corpo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a diferença relacionada à dor entre o lado direito e esquerdo do corpo após cinco sessões de eTCC anodal em mulheres com FM. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo duplo-cego, paralelo, randomizado e controlado por sham com 30 mulheres com FM. Foram realizadas cinco sessões de eTCC anodais C3 e supraorbitais catodais (Fp2) (2 mA por 20 min). Foram avaliados a dor, o impacto da FM e a ansiedade. Não foi encontrada nenhuma interação de três vias estatisticamente significativa entre tempo, tipo de estimulação e lado do corpo. RESULTADOS: A eTCC-Ativa mostrou uma melhora significativa na dor, mas o impacto da FM e da ansiedade não mostrou uma melhora significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Cinco sessões de eTCC anodal sobre o M1 esquerdo melhoram a dor nas mulheres com FM, entretanto não houve diferença entre os lados direito e esquerdo do corpo.

Electroacupuncture modulates cortical excitability in a manner dependent on the parameters used.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that electroacupuncture (EA) acts through the modulation of brain activity, but little is known about its influence on corticospinal excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of EA parameters on the excitability of M1 in healthy individuals. METHODS: A parallel, double blind, randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects, evaluating the influence of an EA intervention on M1 excitability. Participants had a needle inserted at LI4 in the dominant hand and received electrical stimulation of different frequencies (10 or 100 Hz) and amplitude (sensory or motor threshold) for 20 min. In the control group, only a brief (30 s) electrical stimulation was applied. Single and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation coupled with electromyography was applied before and immediately after the EA intervention. Resting motor threshold, motor evoked potential, short intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation were measured. RESULTS: EA increased corticospinal excitability of M1 compared to the control group only when administered with a frequency of 100 Hz at the sensory threshold (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the other measures. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that EA with an intensity level at the sensorial threshold and 100 Hz frequency increases the corticospinal excitability of M1. This effect may be associated with a decrease in the activity of inhibitory intracortical mechanisms. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: U1111-1173-1946 (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/).

Influence of surface peripheral electrical stimulation on nerve regeneration after digital nerve neurorrhaphy: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

We will study the influence of low intensity and frequency surface peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) on nerve regeneration of digital nerve injuries of the hand after its surgical repair in humans. Participants will be patients with acute traumatic peripheral nerve injury referred to the Hand Surgery Service of the General Hospital of the State of Bahia, a reference service in the state. These patients will undergo surgery followed by PES in the immediate postoperative period. After hospital discharge, they will be followed up on an outpatient basis by researchers, who will remotely supervise a physiotherapy program. Our hypothesis is that PES will positively influence the recovery of sensory function in patients undergoing neurorrhaphy of digital nerves of the hand. ReBEC registration:  U1111-1259-1998 (12/18/2020).

Brazilian research on noninvasive brain stimulation applied to health conditions.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has a top position regarding scientific production on noninvasive neuromodulation worldwide. Knowledge of scientometric phenomena involving Brazilian researchers who produce science on this theme may aid confidence in Brazilian clinical and research professionals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the scenario of research on the theme of noninvasive neuromodulation in Brazil. METHODS: This was a scientometric study for mapping scientific production on this subject involving network phenomena, the professions of researchers, institutional affiliation, main research unit, total number of scientific articles on noninvasive neuromodulation published in journals, research sub-area and year of obtaining the PhD title. Public data from Lattes Platform curricula vitae and from VOSViewer© were used. RESULTS: A total of 54 Brazilian researchers were identified, of whom 16 are research productivity fellows. Most of them are linked to institutions in southeastern Brazil, involving the professions of biology, biochemistry, physical education, physiotherapy, speech therapy, gerontology, medicine and psychology, with 1175 articles published in journals. These studies involve experimental animal and human models to account for mechanisms, observational studies, case reports, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, product and process development, computer modeling and guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil occupies a prominent place in the world scenario of research on noninvasive neuromodulation, which is used by different professions for treatment of brain dysfunctions, with a trend towards expansion to other fields.

Brazilian research on noninvasive brain stimulation applied to health conditions / Pesquisa brasileira em neuromodulação não invasiva aplicada às condições de saúde

ABSTRACT Background: Brazil has a top position regarding scientific production on noninvasive neuromodulation worldwide. Knowledge of scientometric phenomena involving Brazilian researchers who produce science on this theme may aid confidence in Brazilian clinical and research professionals. Objective: To investigate the scenario of research on the theme of noninvasive neuromodulation in Brazil. Methods: This was a scientometric study for mapping scientific production on this subject involving network phenomena, the professions of researchers, institutional affiliation, main research unit, total number of scientific articles on noninvasive neuromodulation published in journals, research sub-area and year of obtaining the PhD title. Public data from Lattes Platform curricula vitae and from VOSViewer© were used. Results: A total of 54 Brazilian researchers were identified, of whom 16 are research productivity fellows. Most of them are linked to institutions in southeastern Brazil, involving the professions of biology, biochemistry, physical education, physiotherapy, speech therapy, gerontology, medicine and psychology, with 1175 articles published in journals. These studies involve experimental animal and human models to account for mechanisms, observational studies, case reports, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, product and process development, computer modeling and guidelines. Conclusions: Brazil occupies a prominent place in the world scenario of research on noninvasive neuromodulation, which is used by different professions for treatment of brain dysfunctions, with a trend towards expansion to other fields.

RESUMO Antecedentes: O Brasil ocupa posição de destaque na produção científica de neuromodulação não invasiva no mundo. O conhecimento dos fenômenos cientométricos envolvendo pesquisadores brasileiros que produzem ciência neste tema pode auxiliar na confiança dos profissionais clínicos e pesquisadores brasileiros. Objetivo: Investigar o cenário das pesquisas sobre a temática da neuromodulação não invasiva no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo cienciométrico para mapeamento da produção científica sobre o tema envolvendo fenômenos de rede, profissão dos pesquisadores, afiliação à instituição, unidade principal de pesquisa, número total de artigos científicos publicados em periódicos sobre neuromodulação não invasiva, subárea de pesquisa e ano de obtenção do título de doutor. Utilizou-se dados públicos dos currículos da Plataforma Lattes e do sistema VOSViewer©. Resultados: Foram identificados 54 pesquisadores brasileiros, dos quais 16 são bolsistas de produtividade em pesquisa, a maioria deles vinculados a instituições do Sudeste do Brasil, envolvendo as profissões de Biologia, Bioquímica, Educação Física, Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia, Gerontologia, Medicina e Psicologia, com 1175 artigos publicados em periódicos. As pesquisas envolvem modelos experimentais animais e humanos para estudar dos mecanismos, estudos observacionais, relatos de casos, ensaios clínicos randomizados, revisões sistemáticas, meta-análises, desenvolvimento de produtos e processos, modelagem computacional e diretrizes. Conclusões: O Brasil ocupa lugar de destaque no cenário mundial das pesquisas em neuromodulação não invasiva, sendo utilizado por diferentes profissões para o tratamento de disfunções cerebrais, que tendem a se expandir para outros campos.

Impact of neuropathic pain on quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease: observational study

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge on the characteristics of neuropathic pain in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) may help to provide more effective treatment procedures. Objective: To describe the characteristics of neuropathic pain in patients with sickle cell disease and identify the impact on their quality of life. Method: A cross-sectional study (CAAE 57274516.8.0000.5544) was conducted at a reference center in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The instruments used were the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Douleur Neuropatique Questionnaire (DN-4), the Anxiety and Depression Hospital scale (ADH) and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization of Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief). The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate the association between the scores (5% alpha). Results: A total of 100 adults with SCD participated in the study, 69.7% of whom had neuropathic pain. Anxiety was present in 99% of the sample and depression, in 100%. Patients with neuropathic pain had worse scores in all domains of quality of life (p < 0.05), but no association was found with pain intensity. Conclusion: Neuropathic pain was more frequent than nociceptive pain in adults with SCD and generated worse scores in all domains of quality of life. Anxiety and depression were present in patients with both types of pain.

Cortical plasticity following intramuscular lidocaine injection / Injeção intramuscular de lidocaína e plasticidade cortical

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The manipulation of peripheral neuronal activity can alter the excitability of the primary motor cortex; however, it is not known whether this occurs after intramuscular injections of lidocaine. Therefore, the investigation focused on neurophysiological changes, assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation, after lidocaine (0.5mL, 2%) injection in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the dominant hand of healthy individuals. METHODS: Exploratory, double-blind, parallel laboratory study. Twenty-eight healthy subjects (mean age: 29.6 years, 15 women). Measurements with transcranial magnetic stimulation included resting motor threshold, motor evoked potential, intracortical facilitation, and short intracortical inhibition. Lidocaine injection (LID group) was compared to dry needling (DRY group), saline injection (SAL group), and no intervention (CTL group). Participants were randomly placed in each group. Muscle strength and measures of peripheral excitability (rheobase and chronaxie) were also evaluated to detect whether the interventions generated changes in the peripheral neuromuscular excitability. Evaluations were performed over four time points: immediately before and after intervention and 30 and 60 minutes after intervention. RESULTS: A generalized linear model was used to identify differences between the LID, DRY, and SAL groups and the CTL group. The results showed that motor evoked potentials were modified in the LID group (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The injection of lidocaine into the first dorsal interosseous muscle in the dominant hand of healthy adults alters motor evoked potentials.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A manipulação da atividade neuronal periférica pode alterar a excitabilidade do córtex motor primário; entretanto, não se sabe se esse fenômeno ocorre após a injeção intramuscular de lidocaína. Investigaram-se alterações eletrofisiológicas através de estimulação magnética transcraniana após injeção de lidocaína (0,5mL, 2%) no músculo primeiro interósseo dorsal da mão dominante de indivíduos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo paralelo, exploratório, duplo-cego, realizado em laboratório. Vinte e oito voluntários saudáveis (idade média: 29,6 anos, 15 mulheres). Foram avaliados através de estimulação magnética transcraniana no limiar motor de repouso, potencial evocado motor, facilitação intracortical e inibição intracortical. A injeção de lidocaína (grupo LID) foi comparada com agulhamento a seco (grupo DRY), injeção de solução salina (grupo SAL) e nenhuma intervenção (grupo CTL). Os participantes foram distribuídos randomicamente em cada grupo. Força muscular e medidas de excitabilidade periférica (reobase e cronaxia) foram também estudadas. As avaliações ocorreram em quatro momentos: imediatamente antes e após a intervenção e 30 e 60 minutos após a intervenção. RESULTADOS: Foi utilizado modelo linear generalizado para identificar as diferenças entre os grupos LID, DRY, SAL e CTL. Os resultados mostraram que o potencial evocado motor foi modificado no grupo LID (p<0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Em indivíduos saudáveis, a injeção de lidocaína intramuscular pode alterar o potencial evocado motor.

Noninvasive Neuromodulation Techniques in Difficult Tracheostomy Weaning of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Report of Two Cases.

High spinal cord injured patients (SCI) are susceptible to respiratory muscle impairments. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) may influence the diaphragm's central control, but until now they are not described as a therapeutic resource for difficult weaning. We present two case reports of SCI patients (P1 and P2) with long-term tracheostomy (>40 days) and hospital stay (>50 days). In association with respiratory exercise, P1 received a combined application of anodal tDCS over the supplementary motor area plus sensory PES in the thoracic-abdominal muscles, and P2 received isolated excitatory PES in the abdominal muscles, applied daily except on weekends. Maximum inspiratory/expiratory pressure, peak cough flow, diaphragm excursion, and thickening fraction were measured in the first and last days of the protocol. Both patients had improvements, with clinical impact such as cough effectiveness, decannulated after 15 applications of stimulation. Augmentation of neural respiratory drive and corticospinal excitability is suggested.

Alternate sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduce chronic pain in women affected by chikungunya. A randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Thousands of people worldwide have been infected by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and the persistence of joint pain symptoms has been considered the main problem. Neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) act on brain areas involved in the processing of chronic pain. It was previously demonstrated that tDCS for five consecutive days significantly reduced pain in the chronic phase of chikungunya (CHIK). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of alternate tDCS sessions on pain and functional capacity in individuals affected by CHIK. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 58 women in the chronic phase of CHIK were divided into two groups: active-tDCS (M1-S0, 2 mA, 20 min) and sham-tDCS. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were used to assess pain, while the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) assessed functional capacity. These scales were used before and after six sessions of tDCS in nonconsecutive days on the primary motor cortex, and at follow-up consultation 7 and 15 days after the last session. A repeated measures mixed-model ANOVA was used for comparison between groups (significant p-values < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant pain reduction (Z [3, 171] = 14.303; p < 0.0001) was observed in the tDCS group compared to the sham group; no significant difference in functional capacity was observed (Z [1.57] = 2.797; p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that six nonconsecutive sessions of active tDCS on M1 reduce pain in chronic CHIKV arthralgia.

Closed-loop neurostimulation for affective symptoms and disorders: An overview.

Affective and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent and incident psychiatric disorders worldwide. Therapeutic approaches to these disorders using non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and analogous techniques have been extensively investigated. In this paper, we discuss the combination of NIBS and neurofeedback in closed-loop setups and its application for affective symptoms and disorders. For this, we first provide a rationale for this combination by presenting some of the main original findings of NIBS, with a primary focus on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and neurofeedback, including protocols based on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Then, we provide a scope review of studies combining real-time neurofeedback with NIBS protocols in the so-called closed-loop brain state-dependent neuromodulation (BSDS). Finally, we discuss the concomitant use of TMS and real-time functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a possible solution to the current limitations of BSDS-based protocols for affective and anxiety disorders.

Pain, psychoaffective symptoms, and quality of life in human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1): a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study is to describe the chronic pain characteristics in individuals infected with human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) per subgroup (asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)) compared with controls with chronic pain without HTLV-1. This is a cross-sectional study investigating associations between pain profile, psychopathological symptoms, and quality of life. Individuals infected with HTLV-1 refer high-intensity pain compared with controls, with more severe characteristics being present in oligosymptomatic and HAM/TSP individuals. Oligosymptomatic individuals have a tendency of diffuse and frequent pain, mainly in the head/neck region and more depressive symptoms, resembling nociplastic pain. Neuropathic pain was localized in the lower limbs in all infected groups, worse in HAM/TSP individuals, and associated with a worse perception of quality of life. Pain was associated to higher levels of TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma. HTLV-1 pain is generally more severe when compared with other chronic pain syndromes, being present mainly in the lower limbs. Certain characteristics are typical, depending on the affected group. Oligosymptomatic and HAM/TSP individuals present more diffuse pain, with higher intensity and greater impact in quality of life. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines are associated with HTLV-1-related pain.

Impact of neuropathic pain on quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease: observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge on the characteristics of neuropathic pain in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) may help to provide more effective treatment procedures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of neuropathic pain in patients with sickle cell disease and identify the impact on their quality of life. METHOD: A cross-sectional study (CAAE 57274516.8.0000.5544) was conducted at a reference center in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The instruments used were the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Douleur Neuropatique Questionnaire (DN-4), the Anxiety and Depression Hospital scale (ADH) and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization of Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief). The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate the association between the scores (5% alpha). RESULTS: A total of 100 adults with SCD participated in the study, 69.7% of whom had neuropathic pain. Anxiety was present in 99% of the sample and depression, in 100%. Patients with neuropathic pain had worse scores in all domains of quality of life (p < 0.05), but no association was found with pain intensity. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain was more frequent than nociceptive pain in adults with SCD and generated worse scores in all domains of quality of life. Anxiety and depression were present in patients with both types of pain.

Pharmacological treatment of central neuropathic pain: consensus of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

BACKGROUND: Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is often refractory to available therapeutic strategies and there are few evidence-based treatment options. Many patients with neuropathic pain are not diagnosed or treated properly. Thus, consensus-based recommendations, adapted to the available drugs in the country, are necessary to guide clinical decisions. OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the treatment of CNP in Brazil. METHODS: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and specialists opinions considering efficacy, adverse events profile, cost, and drug availability in public health. RESULTS: Forty-four studies on CNP treatment were found, 20 were included in the qualitative analysis, and 15 in the quantitative analysis. Medications were classified as first-, second-, and third-line treatment based on systematic review, meta-analysis, and expert opinion. As first-line treatment, gabapentin, duloxetine, and tricyclic antidepressants were included. As second-line, venlafaxine, pregabalin for CND secondary to spinal cord injury, lamotrigine for CNP after stroke, and, in association with first-line drugs, weak opioids, in particular tramadol. For refractory patients, strong opioids (methadone and oxycodone), cannabidiol/delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, were classified as third-line of treatment, in combination with first or second-line drugs and, for central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis, dronabinol. CONCLUSIONS: Studies that address the treatment of CNS are scarce and heterogeneous, and a significant part of the recommendations is based on experts opinions. The CNP approach must be individualized, taking into account the availability of medication, the profile of adverse effects, including addiction risk, and patients' comorbidities.