NMDA-mediated mechanisms in cortical excitability changes after limb amputation

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the role of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated mechanisms in cortical excitability changes after limb amputation, and their possible relationship to phantom pain.

Materials and methods: Sixteen upper limb amputees who were suffering from chronic phantom pain received the NMDA-antagonist memantine or placebo for 3 weeks. Intracortical inhibition (ICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were determined at baseline and on day 21 using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Simultaneously, phantom pain intensity was assessed.

Results: Memantine reduced ICF and enhanced ICI to roughly the same extent as seen in healthy subjects in a previous study. These changes were not correlated to the reduction of phantom pain.

Conclusion: We therefore conclude that NMDA-mediated mechanisms influence changes of ICI and ICF occurring after limb amputation. However, our results suggest that these cortical excitability changes and phantom pain are independent of each other.