Developmental changes in somatosensory processing in cerebral palsy and healthy individuals

Abstract

Objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor disorder that causes physical disability in human development. Recent work has shown that somatosensory deficits are a serious problem for people with CP. There is however no information about the influence of age on brain correlates of tactile sensitivity.

Methods: Proprioception, touch and pain pressure thresholds, as well as somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) elicited by tactile stimulation in lips and thumbs were examined in 15 children with CP (range 5-14y), 14 adults with CP (range 22-55y), 15 healthy children (range 5-14y), and 15 healthy adults (range 22-42y).

Results: Children with CP as compared to healthy controls showed more reduced sensitivity for non-painful stimuli, but enhanced sensitivity for painful stimuli. Early SEP amplitudes (P50 and P100) were more enhanced in children and adults with CP than in healthy participants. A functional hemispheric asymmetry was observed in CP when left- and right-side body parts were stimulated.

Conclusions: Data suggest the possibility that altered somatosensory brain processing in CP might be reflecting an enhanced excitability of the somatosensory cortex.

Significance: Assessment of somatosensory functions may have implications for future neuromodulatory treatment of pain complaints and motor rehabilitation programs in children and adults with cerebral palsy.