Study of Phantom Limb Pain Using Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Stimulation

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Phantom Limb Pain After Upper Limb Amputation for Phantom Limb Pain Suppression and Development of the Biomarkers

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromodulation for relief of phantom limb pain (PLP) using peripheral nerve (PNS) and spinal cord (SCS) stimulation with implantable electrodes. The researchers expect that PLP in patients with upper limb amputation will be relieved by peripheral nerve and the spinal cord stimulation. The possibility of finding EEG biomarkers for phantom pain will be explored.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromodulation for relief of phantom limb pain (PLP) using peripheral nerve (PNS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with implantable electrodes. The study is conducted to collect information on the role of non-adaptive neuroplasticity and inhibitory descending antinociceptive influences, which determine the effect of peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation with implanted electrodes in patients with phantom limb pain as a result of amputation of the upper limb. Neuromodulation is a potential treatment option for chronic pain that may alter maladaptive neuroplasticity and enhance descending inhibitory pathways. Study participants will be selected according to the inclusion criteria. Next, multichannel electrodes will be implanted in the region of the target peripheral nerves of the amputated limb and the corresponding segments of the spinal cord. The evaluation of the therapeutic effects of pain syndromes will be carried out in the mode of long-term repetitive nerve stimulation. Postoperative follow-up will be carried out from 2 weeks to 1 month. During the follow-up period, patients will complete scales and questionnaires daily. The stimulator is turned on the day after surgery to assess pain relief. The patient is explained the rules for using the stimulator. The selection of stimulation parameters is carried out according to the generally accepted methodology (the stimulation zone should overlap the pain zone; stimulation should be in the nature of pleasant vibrations). The patient will be given a test stimulation diary to complete every day (at the end of the day) during the entire stimulation period. The researchers expect that phantom limb pain in patients undergoing upper limb amputation will be relieved by peripheral nerve stimulation. We will explore the possibility of creating a personal phantom sensitivity map to optimize the stimulation program. We will study improving the quality of life and reducing pain. Patients will be asked to participate in an experiment using electroencephalography (EEG) starting on the 3rd day after implantation. The purpose of this entry is to investigate the bimarkers of phantom pain. As part of the experimental procedure, we plan to sequentially turn off the stimulator until the patient returns to the preoperative pain state, and also turn on the stimulator with fixation of the moments of pain suppression to the level at the beginning of the experiment. During the entire period, the patient's EEG will be recorded. The researchers expect to see changes in alpha and theta EEG rhythms under these experimental conditions.

neurostimulation, spinal cord stimulation, phantom limb pain, pain suppression, upper-limb amputation

Implantation of PNS electrodes during surgery, mapping to select sites with the best effect and pain modulation.

PNS electrodes are implanted in the area of peripheral nerves of the amputated limb. During phantom pain mapping, multichannel electrodes are used to stimulate peripheral nerves at different sites in the stump. Stimulation turns on sequentially at different stimulation sites; sites are selected where pain is most effectively suppressed. These sites are assigned to the patient for daily modulation.

SCS electrode implantation at surgery, mapping to select sites with the best effect and pain modulation.

SNS electrodes are implanted in the area of targeted peripheral nerves in the amputated limb. During phantom pain mapping, multichannel electrodes are used to stimulate the spinal cord at different sites in the cervical thickening (C5-T1). Stimulation starts at a specific site at a frequency of 1 Hz and increases by 0.1 Hz until the patient no longer feels phantom pain. Stimulation turns on sequentially at different stimulation sites; sites are selected where pain is most effectively suppressed. These sites are assigned to the patient for daily modulation.

This procedure uses the method of electroencephalography (EEG). EEG signals are recorded during the entire experiment. First, the patient is recorded at rest with stimulator on (PNS/SCS) with eyes open and then closed, in the stimulator off state (eyes open, then closed) when patient's pain returns to its preoperative state. The stimulation is then turned back on to the original level of pain suppression. The moments of pain suppression are fixed by marking.

The patient completes a Test Stimulation Diary at the end of each day, noting the location of phantom pain and the percentage of pain reduction during stimulation.

The DN4 Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire defines the neuropathic nature of pain with a point of 4 to 10.

The PainDetect questionnaire reflects all possible parameters of pain and allows us to very clearly track the picture of the pain syndrome in dynamics. The score is made in the range from 0 (best score) to 38 (worst score) points.

Change in relative power of slow frequencies (alpha and theta rhythms) on the EEG with the neurostimulator on/off and eyes open/closed.

The general analysis pipeline includes the calculation of the normalized power spectral density, after which the average power of the alpha rhythm is divided by the average power of the theta rhythm.

The SF-36 questionnaire consists of eight scales: physical functioning, role-playing, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional state, and mental health. Each scale varies between 0 (worst score) and 100 (best score) points.

TAPES-R reflects 3 aspects of psychosocial adjustment (general adjustment, social adjustment and adjustment to functional limitations) and 2 aspects (aesthetics and functionality) of prosthesis satisfaction. The answers reflect the degree of agreement with the statement indicated in the item of the questionnaire, or the degree of satisfaction, or the degree of limitation. The scores on the items of the individual subscales are summarized.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with implanted neuromodulation devices. Amputation of the upper limb at the level of the forearm. Age ranges from 18 to 65 years old. The duration from the moment of amputation is from 6 months. The presence of persistent chronic pain syndrome is from 4 to 10 points according to the Visual Analogue Scale Absence of pregnancy at the time of implantation, confirmed by a pregnancy test. Exclusion Criteria: The presence of severe somatic pathology The presence of mental illness The presence of a gross orthopedic deformity in the limb above the amputation level. The presence of oncology. The presence of epilepsy. Complications after a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Purulent - septic pathology. Drug addiction. Congenital malformation of the upper limb. Any conditions that, according to the researcher, fall under the exclusion criteria.

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