Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely used to study cortical and subcortical mechanisms related to pain. The pathophysiology of burning mouth disorder (BMD) is not clearly understood. Central neuropathic mechanisms are thought to be main players in BMD. This study aimed to compare the location and extension of brain activation following thermal stimulation of the trigeminal nerve with fMRI blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. This study included 8 female patients with BMD and 8 matched pain-free volunteers. Qualitative and quantitative differences in brain activation patterns between the two study groups were demonstrated. There were differences in the activation maps regarding the location of activation, with patients displaying greater BOLD signal changes in the right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC BA 32/24) and bilateral precuneus (pandlt;0.005). The control group showed larger BOLD signal changes in the bilateral thalamus, right middle frontal gyrus, right pre-central gyrus, left lingual gyrus and cerebellum (pandlt;0.005). It was also demonstrated that patients had far less volumetric activation throughout the entire brain compared to the control group. These data are discussed in light of recent findings suggesting brain hypofunction as a key player in chronic neuropathic pain conditions.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1941. / Typescript. Includes abstract and vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 24-26).

Considerando a mucosite oral (MO) e a hipofunção das glândulas salivares (HGS) consequências debilitantes da quimioterapia (QT), este trabalho teve como objetivo induzir, em hamsters, MO e HGS, através do quimioterápico 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU), e comparar, através de análises clínicas, bioquímicas e histológicas, diferentes fototerapias no tratamento da MO, assim como o efeito do laser no tratamento da HGS. Cento e oitenta animais foram divididos em dois grupos, controle e experimental, onde, o grupo controle foi subdividido em grupo C, o qual recebeu somente anestesia/veículo de diluição do quimioterápico e o CQ, o qual recebeu anestesia/quimioterapia e indução da MO. O grupo experimental foi também subdividido em grupo L: com indução de MO e tratamento com LED, 630nm, 1,2J/cm2; LA: MO e tratamento com laser de alta potência (LAP), 808nm, 10J/cm2; LB: MO e tratamento com laser de baixa potência (LBP), 660nm, 6J/cm2 e o LG: sem MO e tratamento com LBP, 780nm, 5J/cm², na região das glândulas salivares (GS) submandibulares (GSSM) e sublinguais GSSL). A MO foi induzida através de ranhuras após QT e foi avaliada, clinicamente, através de escalas específicas. Os animais foram sacrificados após 5, 7 e 10 dias de experimento e a mucosa oral e as GS removidas para análises bioquímicas (TNF- e análise de proteína total, LDH e parâmetros do sistema antioxidante, respectivamente) e histológicas (análise por microscopia de luz e imuno-histoquímica para as amostras de mucosa, e por microscopia de luz, eletrônica de transmissão e imunocitoquímica para as amostras de GS). Após análises estatísticas, os resultados clínicos, bioquímicos e histológicos mostraram que os tratamentos com LBP e LED foram eficazes no tratamento da MO, com diminuição da concentração de TNF- no dia 7 (p<0.05) e completa cicatrização das lesões ao termino do experimento, com maior formação de tecido de granulação e angiogênese. Além disso, a expressão de citoqueratina 10, analisada por imunohistoquímica, apresentou-se menos intensa comparada ao grupo CQ. O LAP não prejudicou a cicatrização final da MO quando comparada ao grupo CQ. O LBP também se mostrou eficaz para a HGS causada pelo 5-FU, uma vez que os parâmetros estudados para o grupo LG foram similares para os animais do grupo C na maior parte dos tempos experimentais. A HGS do grupo CQ foi representada por importantes alterações morfológicas, estruturais e bioquímicas, como a atrofia das unidades secretoras terminais, aumento do estroma glandular na GS sublingual e alterações na expressão de EGF, NGF e PIP2 nas GSSM, assim como alteração na expressão de mucina e p16 nas GSSL. De acordo com as análises bioquímicas, foram observadas alterações na atividade das enzimas antioxidantes catalase, peroxidase e superóxido dismutase e da atividade da enzima lactato desidrogenase (p<0.05) tanto para a GSSM quanto para a GSSL. Com base nos resultados, podemos concluir que as fototerapias com LBP e LED diminuem a severidade da MO por acelerar a reparação tecidual e diminuir o processo inflamatório, assim como o LBP é eficaz no tratamento da HGS induzida pelo quimioterápico 5-FU. / Considering oral mucositis (OM) and salivary glands hipofunction (SGH) debilitating consequences of chemotherapy (CT), the aim of this study was to compare, through clinical, biochemical and histological analysis, different photherapies on the treatment of OM and SGH induced by injections of the chemotherapic agent 5-Fluorouracil in hamsters. One-hundred-eighty animals were divided into two groups, control and experimental, which were subdivided in group C: anesthesia/chemotherapy vehicle and CQ: anesthesia, chemotherapy/OM induction, for control group and in group L: anesthesia, chemotherapy/OM and phototherapy with LED (1,2 J/cm², 1.2 J of total energy), LA: anesthesia, chemotherapy/OM and phototherapy with highpower laser (HPL) (10 J/cm², 10 J of total energy), LB: anesthesia, chemotherapy/OM and phototherapy with low-power laser (LPL) (6 J/cm², 1.2 J of total energy) and LG: anesthesia, chemotherapy and phototherapy with LPL (5 J/cm2) on salivary gland (SG) (submandibular and sublingual) areas for experimental group. The OM was induced by slots on oral mucosa, which were performed after chemotherapy treatment. The OM was analyzed through specific clinical scales and after 5, 7 and 10 days, the animals were sacrificed and the oral mucosa and submandibular and sublingual glands removed for biochemical (TNF- and total protein concentration, LDH and antioxidant system parameters, respectively) and histological (light microscopy and immune-histochemical for OM samples, and light microscopy, electronic transmission and immunocitochemical for SG samples) analysis. After statistical analysis, the clinical, biochemical and histological results showed Led and LPL as efficient treatments for OM, with decrease of TNF- concentration on day 7 (p<0.05) and complete lesions healing on last day of experiment, showing increase of granulation tissue and new blood vessels formation. In agreement, the citokeratin 10 expression by immunehistochemistry, showed less intensity when was compared with CQ group. The HPL had no interference on OM final healing in comparison with CQ group. The LPL also showed good results on treatment of SGH induced by 5- FU. The SGH on CQ group included important morphological, structural and biochemical changes, as acinar atrophy, increase of glandular stroma on sublingual glands and important changes for EGF, NGF and PIP2 expression on submandibular glands, and for mucin and p16 gene expression on sublingual glands. Furthermore, the biochemical analysis showed changes on antioxidant enzime system activity, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and also for dehidrogenase lactate activity (p<0.05). The results of the present study suggest the phototherapies with LPL and LED where efficient on decrease of OM severity, accelerating tissue repair and decreasing the inflammatory process, as well as, the LPL efficient as treatment of SGH induced by 5-FU.

Background: Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction results in postural instability, visual blurring with head movement, and subjective complaints of dizziness and/or imbalance. We sought to answer the question, “Is vestibular exercise effective at enhancing recovery of function in people with peripheral (unilateral or bilateral) vestibular hypofunction?” Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in 5 databases published after 1985 and 5 additional sources for relevant publications were searched. Article types included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control series, and case series for human subjects, published in English. One hundred thirty-five articles were identified as relevant to this clinical practice guideline. Results/Discussion: Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of benefit over harm, clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to persons with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction with impairments and functional limitations related to the vestibular deficit. Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of harm over benefit, clinicians should not include voluntary saccadic or smooth-pursuit eye movements in isolation (ie, without head movement) as specific exercises for gaze stability. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may offer specific exercise techniques to target identified impairments or functional limitations. Based on moderate evidence and in consideration of patient preference, clinicians may provide supervised vestibular rehabilitation. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence, clinicians may prescribe a minimum of 3 times per day for the performance of gaze stability exercises as 1 component of a home exercise program. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence (range of supervised visits: 2-38 weeks, mean = 10 weeks), clinicians may consider providing adequate supervised vestibular rehabilitation sessions for the patient to understand the goals of the program and how to manage and progress themselves independently. As a general guide, persons without significant comorbidities that affect mobility and with acute or subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week supervised sessions for 2 to 3 weeks; persons with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 4 to 6 weeks; and persons with bilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 8 to 12 weeks. In addition to supervised sessions, patients are provided a daily home exercise program. Disclaimer: These recommendations are intended as a guide for physical therapists and clinicians to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for persons with peripheral vestibular hypofunction undergoing vestibular rehabilitation.

No description available.

The vestibular system senses head motion and facilitates gaze stabilization, allowing for clear vision during movement. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) causes the eyes to move opposite head motion, thus maintaining focus on a target. Consequently, uncompensated loss of vestibular function leads to reduced VOR function resulting in dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbance. Different testing methods have been developed to measure VOR loss. These tests generally require bulky, expensive equipment, and must be performed by a trained examiner. A newly developed digital form of the dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test requires less equipment, is cost-effective, and may be performed at home making it more accessible. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and test-retest reliability of the digital DVA test and provide normative data for healthy adults. Fifteen adults – 10 female and 5 male (mean age = 22.0 ± 3.1, range: 19-31 years) – completed the study. Exclusion criteria included age older than 49 years, history of vestibular or neurological disorders, and history of significant head injury. Subjects were screened for normal vestibular function using video head impulse testing. The study consisted of two visits, 3-15 days apart. Participants underwent DVA testing with both the validated NeuroCom (InVision software) system and newly developed digital DVA during the initial visit and the digital DVA during the second visit. The digital DVA system consists of a laptop computer paired with a head/eye tracker (Tobii Eye Tracker 5) and Health in Motion software (Blue Marble Health Company). Outcome measures of interest were the difference between static and dynamic visual acuity measured in LogMAR (DVA loss) for rightward and leftward head movement. Pearson Product-Moment bivariate correlations were used to determine validity of the digital DVA outcomes compared to NeuroCom outcomes. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine test-retest reliability of the digital DVA. Pearson correlation coefficients for validity were r = 0.025 and r = -0.015 for left and right DVA loss, respectively. ICCs for test-retest reliability were r = 0.366 and r = 0.313 for left and right DVA loss, respectively. Mean values across both sessions for left and right DVA loss measured by digital DVA were 0.26 ± 0.13 and 0.26 ± 0.11, respectively. Correlations between the digital DVA and standard computerized DVA were poor indicating the need for further development of the current digital system/software. Test-retest reliability for the digital DVA system in its current state was also poor. Tobii sensor used in the software is limited by a 200 ms delay in reporting head motion to the software. Future development of a digital DVA may need to consider other sensors. The current digital DVA will not replace the computerized system; however, it may provide important information for clinicians who do not have access to computerized DVA.

Excerpt: Recently, clinical vestibular tests have been developed for assessing otolith function. Little is known about treatment for otolith dysfunction, and this case report offers a perspective on using otolith stimulation to treat vestibular loss.

Background: Vestibular function (specifically, horizontal semicircular canal function) can be assessed across a broad frequency range using several different techniques. The head impulse test is a qualitative test of horizontal semicircular canal function that can be completed at bedside. Recently, a new instrument (video head impulse test [vHIT]) has been developed to provide an objective assessment to the clinical test. Questions persist regarding how this test may be used in the overall vestibular test battery. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe vestibular test results (vHIT, rotational testing, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and balance and gait performance) in an individual with a 100% unilateral caloric weakness who was asymptomatic for dizziness, vertigo or imbalance. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Comprehensive assessment was completed to evaluate vestibular function. Caloric irrigations, rotary chair testing, vHIT, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were completed. Results: A 100% left-sided unilateral caloric weakness was observed in an asymptomatic individual. vHIT produced normal gain with covert saccades. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the clinical usefulness of vHIT as a diagnostic tool and indicator of vestibular compensation and functional status.