Work

Abnormal Regional Brain Functional Activity and Brain Network Connectivity in Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia Patients: An Activation Likelihood Estimation Meta-Analysis Based on Resting-State fMRI

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Objective: This study integrates resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies to systematically identify core regions of altered regional brain activity and abnormal functional connectivity within cerebral networks in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for rs-fMRI studies (between January 2010 and June 2025) comparing PTN patients with healthy controls (HCs). Through a standardized data extraction protocol, coordinates of divergent brain functional metrics and network connectivity parameters were collected. Ultimately, we included 16 studies, of which 14 were related to functional specific indices (375 patients) and 5 to functional connectivity (204 patients). Separate modality-specific Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analyses were conducted for studies employing Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation (ALFF/fALFF), Regional Homogeneity (ReHo), and Degree Centrality (DC), to reflect their unique neurophysiological meanings. Results: ALE analysis revealed index-specific alteration patterns with limited spatial overlap. The ALFF/fALFF analysis identified consistent hypoactivity in the left medial prefrontal cortex. In contrast, ReHo and DC analyses converged to show hyperactivity in the posterior cerebellar lobe and temporal pole. Notably, Seed-based functional connectivity analyses yielded no convergent findings, and limbic system activation was highly heterogeneous. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that PTN involves complex, multidimensional brain remodeling, not a dysfunction of a single "pain center." The distinct spatial patterns identified by different rs-fMRI metrics underscore their complementary value in uncovering PTN pathophysiology. These findings advance the understanding of PTN's central mechanisms, support the development of targeted interventions, and highlight the need to differentiate neurophysiological metrics and clinical subtypes in future research.

Source: Journal of Pain Research

DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s573011

Authors: Hongan Yang, Chuan Zhang, Baijintao Sun, Mingtao Li, Xiaoxue Xu, Hanfeng Yang

Institutions: North Sichuan Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Functional Brain Connectivity Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836