Photo Credit: Peterscode

The following is a summary of “Mechanical pain sensitivity is associated with hippocampal structural integrity,” published in the March 2024 issue of Pain by Ayoub et al.

Rodents and human studies suggest the hippocampus is crucial for memory and might respond to noxious stimuli. However, its role in human pain perception remains unclear. 

Researchers conducted a prospective study assessing mechanical pain sensitivity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and its correlation with hippocampal integrity.

They used quantitative sensory testing on patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Mechanical pain sensitivity epilepsy was compared with healthy controls. Hippocampal integrity, based on volume and memory scores, was evaluated.

The results showed that patients with temporal lobe epilepsy exhibited reduced mechanical pain sensitivity compared to healthy controls. Left hippocampal volume positively correlated with mechanical pain sensitivity—the greater the damage, the lower the sensitivity. Functional integrity showed no significant association.

Investigators concluded that patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have diminished mechanical pain sensitivity, inversely related to left hippocampal volume. Functional integrity is not correlated, implying distinct pain processing mechanisms. Further research is needed to elucidate hippocampal pain processing mechanisms.

Source: journals.lww.com/pain/fulltext/9900/mechanical_pain_sensitivity_is_associated_with.558.aspx