Specific alteration of somatosensory cortical excitability in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS type I): a paired-pulse SEP study

Introduction: The pathophysiology of the complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is widely unknown. CNS involvement is suggested by the symptoms. Bilateral disinhibition in the motor cortex of CRPS patients has recently been found using paired-pulse motor evoked potentials. Several plastic changes have also been described for the somatosensory system (e.g. Pleger et al., 2005). Thus, for the first time, we investigated if bilateral excitability changes can also be found in the somatosensory system of CRPS patients. Material and Methods: The data of 21 patients with unilateral CRPS type I (aged 52±10.9 years) invol…