Dysynchiria is not a common feature of neuropathic pain

Received 19 June 2006; received in revised form 1 December 2006; accepted 21 February 2007. published online 24 April 2007.

Abstract

Patients with chronic neuropathic pain (non-CRPS) and brush-evoked allodynia watched a reflected image of their corresponding but opposite skin region being brushed in a mirror. Unlike complex regional pain syndrome Type 1, this process did not evoke any sensation at the affected area (‘dysynchiria’). We conclude that central nociceptive sensitisation alone is not sufficient to cause dysynchiria in neuropathic pain. The results imply a difference in cortical pain processing between complex regional pain syndrome and other chronic neuropathic pain.

Keywords: Dysynchiria, CRPS, Neuropathic pain

a Department of Neurology, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany

b Department of Neurology, DRK Schmerz-Zentrum Mainz, Auf der Steig 16, 55131 Mainz, Germany

c Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics & fMRIB Centre, University of Oxford, UK

Corresponding author. Present address: Department of Neurology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany. Fax: +49 6131 175625.

PII: S1090-3801(07)00043-2

doi:10.1016/j.ejpain.2007.02.005

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