Distraction From Itch Shows Brainstem Activation Without Reduction in Experimental Itch Sensation.

Distraction From Itch Shows Brainstem Activation Without Reduction in Experimental Itch Sensation.
Acta Derm Venereol. 2017 Jun 27;:
Authors: Stumpf A, Pfleiderer B, Schneider G, Heuft G, Schmelz M, Phan NQ, Ständer S, Burgmer M
Abstract
The central processing of itch is not completely understood. This is the first study to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the central modulation by distraction of experimentally induced itch. A total of 33 healthy volunteers were examined with fMRI. Periods of itch induction without distraction and itch with distraction by a Stroop task were counterbalanced during the scanning to examine task-specific changes in blood oxygenation level dependent-signal. The intensity of the subjects' itch sensation, desire to scratch and pain sensation were evaluated. Distraction by a Stroop task did not reduce itch intensity or urge to scratch. However, the Stroop task led to significantly higher activation of the left brainstem when it followed the "pure" itch sensation. Itch and pain seem to have similar inhibition pathways, particularly concerning brainstem activation during distraction. But as itch sensation, in contrast to pain, could not be sufficiently reduced by distraction, both entities might have different modulation systems.
PMID: 28654133 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica - June 27, 2017 Category: Dermatology Authors: Stumpf A, Pfleiderer B, Schneider G, Heuft G, Schmelz M, Phan NQ, Ständer S, Burgmer M Tags: Acta Derm Venereol Source Type: research