School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, California, USA.
Center for Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Brain Behav. 2022 Mar;12(3):e2509. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2509. Epub 2022 Feb 26.
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a complicated condition with diverse clinical challenges. It consists of pain perception of a previously amputated limb. The exact pain mechanism is disputed and includes mechanisms involving cerebral, peripheral, and spinal origins. Such controversy limits researchers' and clinicians' ability to develop consistent therapeutics or management. Neuroimaging is an essential tool that can address this problem. This review explores diffusion tensor imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography in the context of PLP. These imaging modalities have distinct mechanisms, implications, applications, and limitations. Diffusion tensor imaging can outline structural changes and has surgical applications. Functional magnetic resonance imaging captures functional changes with spatial resolution and has therapeutic applications. Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography can identify functional changes with a strong temporal resolution. Each imaging technique provides a unique perspective and they can be used in concert to reveal the true nature of PLP. Furthermore, researchers can utilize the respective strengths of each neuroimaging technique to support the development of innovative therapies. PLP exemplifies how neuroimaging and clinical management are intricately connected. This review can assist clinicians and researchers seeking a foundation for applications and understanding the limitations of neuroimaging techniques in the context of PLP.
幻肢痛（PLP）是一种复杂的病症，具有多种临床挑战。它包括对先前截肢的肢体的疼痛感知。确切的疼痛机制存在争议，包括涉及大脑、外周和脊髓起源的机制。这种争议限制了研究人员和临床医生开发一致的治疗或管理方法的能力。神经影像学是一种重要的工具，可以解决这个问题。本综述探讨了弥散张量成像、功能磁共振成像、脑电图和脑磁图在 PLP 中的应用。这些成像方式具有不同的机制、意义、应用和局限性。弥散张量成像可以描绘结构变化，具有手术应用。功能磁共振成像具有空间分辨率，可以捕捉功能变化，具有治疗应用。脑电图和脑磁图可以利用强时间分辨率识别功能变化。每种成像技术都提供了独特的视角，它们可以协同使用，以揭示 PLP 的真实本质。此外，研究人员可以利用每种神经影像学技术的各自优势，为创新疗法的开发提供支持。PLP 示例说明了神经影像学和临床管理是如何紧密相连的。本综述可以帮助临床医生和研究人员在 PLP 背景下寻求应用基础，并了解神经影像学技术的局限性。
