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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Psychophysical evaluation of somatosensory function in oro-facial pain: achievements and challenges

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Author(s):
Costa, Yuri M. [1, 2, 3, 4] ; Bonjardim, Leonardo R. [4, 5] ; Conti, Paulo Cesar R. [4, 6] ; Svensson, Peter [2, 3, 7]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Piracicaba Dent Sch, Dept Biosci, Av Limeira 901, BR-17012901 Piracicaba - Brazil
[2] Aarhus Univ, Dept Dent & Oral Hlth, Sec Orofacial Pain & Jaw Funct, Aarhus - Denmark
[3] Scandinavian Ctr Orofacial Neurosci, Aarhus - Denmark
[4] Bauru Orofacial Pain Grp, Bauru, SP - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Dept Biol Sci, Sec Head & Face Physiol, Bauru, SP - Brazil
[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Depat Prosthodont, Bauru, SP - Brazil
[7] Malmo Univ, Fac Odontol, Malmo - Sweden
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Review article
Source: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation; v. 48, n. 9 JUL 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Aim This critical review describes key methodological aspects for a successful oro-facial psychophysical evaluation of the somatosensory system and highlights the diagnostic value of somatosensory assessment and management perspectives based on somatosensory profiling. Methods This topical review was based on a non-systematic search for studies about somatosensory evaluation in oro-facial pain in PubMed and Embase. Results The recent progress regarding the psychophysical evaluation of somatosensory function was largely possible due to the development and application of valid, reliable and standardised psychophysical methods. Qualitative sensory testing may be useful as a screening tool to rule out relevant somatosensory abnormalities. Nevertheless, the patient should preferably be referred to a more comprehensive assessment with the quantitative sensory testing battery if confirmation of somatosensory abnormalities is necessary. Moreover, the identification of relevant somatosensory alterations in chronic pain disorders that do not fulfil the current criteria to be regarded as neuropathic has also increased the usefulness of somatosensory evaluation as a feasible method to better characterise the patients and perhaps elucidate some underpinnings of the so-called `nociplastic' pain disorders. Finally, an additional benefit of oro-facial pain treatment based on somatosensory profiling still needs to be demonstrated and convincing evidence of somatosensory findings as predictors of treatment efficacy in chronic oro-facial pain awaits further studies. Conclusion Psychophysical evaluation of somatosensory function in oro-facial pain is still in its infancy but with a clear potential to continue to improve the assessment, diagnosis and management of oro-facial pain patients. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/09913-4 - The effect of cutaneous afferents in the mechanical somatosensory profile of masticatory myofascial pain.
Grantee:Yuri Martins Costa
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral