Deafferentation pain after spinal cord injury. Part I. theoretical aspects.
Pain which persists long after spinal cord injury can become the most disabling sequela for the survivor. In extreme cases, it may lead to chemical dependency, severe depression and even suicide. Following definition and description of deafferentation pain, the risks and benefits of current pharmacologic, surgical and other therapies are presented. Part I (in this issue) presents theoretical aspects and Part II (in Vol. 9 No. 3) will present management aspects of deafferentation pain. This two-part review is intended to facilitate informed decision-making by both consumers and caregivers.
Segatore
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D000344:Afferent Pathways; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010146:Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*