C-tactile touch perception in patients with chronic pain disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Slow brushing over the skin activates C-tactile nerve fibers that transmit pleasant tactile experiences in healthy subjects, leading to an inverted U-shaped velocity dependence of ratings: C-tactile optimal stroking stimulations are rated as more pleasant than slower or faster stimulations. Chronic pain diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and complex regional pain syndrome show altered C-fiber innervation density, sensory loss, and pain sensitization.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate whether C-tactile function is affected in painful conditions.

Methods

We assessed psychophysically C-tactile function and sensory perception thresholds in 16 patients with PHN, 19 patients with complex regional pain syndrome, and 22 healthy controls.

Results

SUBMITTER: Gossrau G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8253581 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature