Work

Regression of central sensitization after bilateral focused ultrasound medial thalamotomies in atypical orofacial pain? – a case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Orofacial pain syndromes are a heterogenous group of pain disorders resulting in substantial morbidity. They are often refractory to medical treatment and can have an enormous impact on quality of life. Central sensitization plays a major role in chronic pain disorders and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound bilateral medial thalamotomy is an emerging treatment in chronic pain syndromes with central sensitization. We here describe a 76-year-old female patient with a long history of atypical orofacial pain and central sensitization with a significant, but temporary regression of the latter after medial thalamotomy using bilateral focused ultrasound.

Source: BMC Neurology

DOI: 10.1186/s12883-026-04966-7

Authors: Matus Velicky Buecheler, Lukasz Kolakowski, Marie Therese Kleinsorge, Heiko Pohl, Lennart Stieglitz, Susanne Wegener

Institutions: University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Pain Management and Treatment

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090