Issue:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition that can result from trauma (often limb fractures), peripheral nerve damage, and other causes that are not presently understood. Individuals with CRPS present with edema, extreme pain, and muscle spasms, as well as loss of function. Studies have shown that mirror box therapy has neuroplastic effects and therefore may have potential therapeutic effects for CRPS patients.
Objectives:
1) Perform functional mapping of cerebral cortical activation in 15 adults with CRPS with a focus on the areas associated with their affected limb.
2) Examine changes in the pattern of activation in these cortical regions of interest during motor tasks in the affected limb after each stage of treatment.
3) Compare changes in the pattern of cortical activation with changes in objective physical symptoms listed in the Budapest diagnostic criteria for CRPS with a primary symptom focus on pain changes.
4) We will also compare the above effects measured in the participants in the experimental group to a matched control group that will consist of 15 participants who will be afflicted with CRPS but will not receive mirror box therapy.
Anticipated Results:
There are strong potential benefits in this study from both scientific and clinical perspectives. Neuroplasticity is currently one of the biggest and perhaps the most important mysteries to explore in clinical neuroscience. There has been a plethora of evidence suggesting that the brain can modify itself, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. This study will help to elucidate some of the mechanisms of neuroplasticity. This study will also further examine the effectiveness of mirror box therapy for CRPS patients as well as mechanisms by which this therapeutic effect occurs. By discovering the mechanisms involved in therapeutic changes, clinicians will be able to provide better and more efficient treatment for patients.
Investigators:
Dr. Bruce Dick, University of Alberta – bdick@ualberta.ca
