Sensory Disorders Research Articles

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension(2024)

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a disease characterized by orthostatic headache caused by spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients have to remain bedridden, which significantly affects their quality of life. In severe cases, complications such as subdural hematomas may occur. Clinical practice reveals a high rate of misdiagnosis and insufficient implementation of diagnostic and treatment measures. To improve clinical physicians' understanding of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and to standardize the diagnosis and treatment, the Neurologist Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Headache and Sensory Disorders Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association organized experts to develop a total of 30 recommendations on the clinical identification, examination processes, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and follow-up of spontaneous intracranial hypotension based on domestic and international clinical practices and recent literature evidence after extensive discussions.

GAO Weibin's experience in treatment of cerebral infarction in the recovery period with "brain electric field" therapy

The "brain electric field" therapy is a novel electroacupuncture method created by Professor GAO Weibin to treat cerebral infarction in the recovery period. This therapy is suitable for the treatment of motor disorders, sensory disorders, cognitive disorders, hemianopsia and bulbar paralysis during the recovery period of cerebral infarction. Based on the different symptoms, the corresponding brain functional areas are selected, supplemented with Taiyang 2, Tunyan 2, Tiyan, Gongxue and Xiatianzhu. These points are attached to electric acupuncture apparatus, and stimulated with dense wave, at frequency of 50 Hz and tolerable intensity. This therapy presents a remarkable effect on cerebral infarction in the recovery period, providing the new approach to the treatment of this disease.

Synergistic effects of curcumin and stem cells on spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that permanently or temporarily disrupts its function, causing considerable autonomic, sensory, and motor disorders, and involves between 10 and 83 cases per million yearly. Traumatic SCI happens following primary acute mechanical damage, leading to injury to the spinal cord tissue and worsening clinical outcomes. The present therapeutic strategies for this complex disease fundamentally rely on surgical approaches and conservative remedies. However, these modalities are not effective enough for neurological recovery. Therefore, it is necessary to discover more efficient methods to treat patients with SCI. Today, considerable attention has been drawn to bioactive compounds-based remedies and stem cell therapy for curing various ailments and disorders, such as neurological diseases. Some researchers have recommended that harnessing curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from turmeric, in combination with stem cells, like mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, and ependymal stem cells, can remarkably improve neurological recovery-related parameters more effective than the treatment with these two methods separately in experimental models. Hereby, this literature review delves into the functionality of curcumin combined with stem cells in treating SCI with a focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms.

L’intoxication au protoxyde d’azote : un nouveau défi pour la biologie médicale

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) is a gas used in medicine for its anesthetic and analgesic properties, and in industry as an oxidizing gas or propellant. This gas is also available on self-service for food use. In recent years, its use has been increasingly diverted to recreational purposes. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of serious cases of intoxication increased by 320% in France, demonstrating a major public health concern. It is also a problem for road safety, with an increase in the number of road accidents linked to the consumption of this gas. Nitrous oxide causes both short-term effects (euphoria, disorientation, etc.) and long-term effects (sensory and motor neurological disorders and thrombosis). This gas acts on the central nervous system, inducing anxiolytic, anesthetic, antidepressant and analgesic effects. Nitrous oxide is difficult to quantify because of its rapid elimination. Biological investigation is thus based on secondary anomalies linked to vitamin B12 inactivation: increased methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels. However, these two biological markers are not specific to nitrous oxide intoxication. To improve patient support, we need to find new biological markers that are more specific to nitrous oxide intoxication.

Sensory Processing Measure Tools for Adolescents Aged 12 to 21 Years

Background and Objectives: Impairment in the way of sensory information by the central nervous system can cause functional problems in all areas of an adolescent’s activities, including education, self-care, social participation, and leisure. Therefore, in the presence of problems in such activities, it is necessary to evaluate and screen for sensory processing. In the present study, the sensory processing assessment tools that cover the adolescent age group were investigated. Methods: In this review, PubMed, Science Direct, Google, OTseeker, and Google Scholar databases were searched, and articles published between 2000 and 2022 on sensory processing assessment tools in adolescents and their psychometrics were selected. Keywords used included sensory integration dysfunction (SID), sensory processing disorder (SPD), adolescence, adolescent, assessment, measurement, reliability, validity, psychometry, environment, scale, and instrument. Results: The assessment tools identified to evaluate sensory processing in the adolescent age group include the “adolescent/adult sensory profile” (AASP), “Glasgow sensory questionnaire” (GSQ), “sensory processing measure (SPM)”, “sensory response in autism spectrum” (SR-AS) questionnaire, “sensory processing scale” (SPS), and “SPM-second edition” (SPM-2). Conclusion: The environment was considered as a factor that needs to be evaluated only in the second version of the SPM among the selected tools. The results of this review also showed that the only tool available in Persian in this field is the AASP, which does not seem to be a suitable tool for use in adolescence because the population studied in the psychometric evaluation of the Persian version was elderly people with dementia. Therefore, it seems necessary to prepare the Persian version and psychometric evaluation of an appropriate assessment tool for evaluating the sensory processing of Iranian adolescents.

Associations Between Vision and Hearing Impairment and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Longitudinal Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China.

Based on the severity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sensory impairment in China and the lack of research on this, the aims of our study were to assess the impact of hearing impairment (HI), visual impairment (VI), and concurrent HI and VI (termed dual sensory impairment) on CVD in elderly people, based on a representative sample of China. We used data from the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) for our survey of 11 332 participants. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% 95% CIs for CVD, stroke, and cardiac events by using Cox proportional hazards models. HI and VI status were collected through self-reported questions. During the 7-year follow-up, a total of 2156 participants experienced CVD (including 745 stroke and 1605 cardiac events). Compared with the reference, individuals with VI had higher risk of CVD (HR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09-1.40]). Individuals with HI also had higher risk of CVD than those without HI (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09-1.33]). Compared with participants without VI and HI, individuals with dual sensory impairment had a 1.35-fold increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.57]). In addition, individuals with dual sensory impairment also had increased risk of stroke and cardiac events. Our study shows that HI and VI have a combined effect on the incidence of CVD. Based on the high prevalence of CVD around the world, early detection of sensory disorders and the adoption of appropriate measures may contribute to prevent CVD and reduce the burden of clinical diagnosis and treatment of CVD.

Application of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring technology in neurofibromatosis type 1 related peripheral nerve tumor surgery

To summarize application effect and clinical experience of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) technology in the surgery of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) related peripheral nerve tumors. A retrospective study was conducted on NF1 patients, who admitted between January 2019 and December 2023 and treated with peripheral nerve tumor resection surgery assisted by multimodal IONM technology. There were 49 males and 45 females. The age ranged from 5 to 78 years, with an average of 33.7 years. Tumor morphological classification included 71 cases of nodular type, 13 cases of diffuse type, and 10 cases of mixed type. Target tumors were distributed in craniofacial region (47 cases), neck (11 cases), trunk (12 cases), and limbs (24 cases). Preoperatively, 44 cases had no obvious neurological symptoms, while the remaining patients had neurological symptoms, including 15 cases of visual impairment, 5 cases of hearing impairment, 16 cases of somatic movement disorders, and 31 cases of somatic sensory disorders, of which 7 cases had more than one symptom. IONM plans were selected based on the relevant nerves and adjacent important structures of the target tumor, including visual evoked potential (17 cases), somatosensory evoked potential (44 cases), motor evoked potential (88 cases), and electromyogram (94 cases). All surgeries were successfully completed. Ninety-three patients underwent total/near total resection and 1 patient underwent palliative resection. Pathological examination showed 80 cases of neurofibroma and 14 cases of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Complications included 2 cases of hematoma and 3 cases of incision infection. All patients were followed up 3-61 months (median, 15 months). During follow-up, no significant changes in neurological symptoms or tumor recurrence were found. Among the patients with preoperative visual impairment, there were 14 cases with no improvement in symptoms and 1 with improvement after surgery. Among the patients with somatic movement disorders, there were 11 cases with no improvement in symptoms, 3 cases with improvement, 2 cases with aggravation, 4 newly onset cases, and 1 case with significant impact on daily life after surgery. Among the patients with somatic sensory disorders, there were 17 cases with no improvement in symptoms, 14 cases with improvement, and 13 newly onset cases. The patients with hearing impairment showed improvement after surgery. The clinical manifestations of NF1 related peripheral nerve tumors are complex. Multimodal IONM technology can provide real-time detection of nerve provocation and damage. Surgical treatment with multimodal IONM technology is safe and can reduce complications.

A Systematic Review of Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Approach.

The prevalence of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing globally, necessitating updates to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders with respect to ASD diagnosis. It is now recognised that ASD is related to sensory processing disorder, and sensory integration is considered a suitable intervention for treating children diagnosed with ASD. This paper provides a systematic review on a timeline from 2013 to 2023, based on the PRISMA model. Evidence was sought in the academic search engines Pubmed, Scielo, Eric, Dialnet, Springer, Base Search and Google Scholar, which produced 16 articles according to the inclusion criteria. According to the results of this review, intervention with sensory integration in infants with ASD meets the criteria to be considered an evidence-based practice. The studies reviewed focused mainly on clinical settings and, therefore, we highlight the urgent need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in naturalistic settings such as homes and schools. This will help to obtain more representative data on how these interventions affect the daily lives of children with ASD.

Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord glioma

Spinal cord glioma is a group of tumors originated from spinal cord glial cells. They typically have an insidious onset, with early symptoms in patients including sensory disturbances, motor disorder, and sphincter dysfunction. When the course of disease develops to a certain extent, it can lead to paralysis, dyspnea, and even result in death. The spinal cord bears the role of nerve conduction, and acts as a lower central hub for somatic and visceral activities and primary neural reflexes. Because the self-repair ability after injury is limited, spinal cord injury caused by tumor and treatment may be permanent, potentially causing huge economic and social burden. To further standardize the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord glioma, the expert group formulated The Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Glioma according to the current situation of diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord glioma at home and abroad. This consensus elaborates the epidemiology, natural course, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and prognosis of spinal gliomas and formulates 17 recommendations. It aims to offer reference for medical personnel and other related individuals.

Malaysian occupational therapists’ perspectives on sensory-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: A focus group discussion

ABSTRACT This study explores Malaysian occupational therapists’ perspectives on implementing sensory-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder, addressing the high prevalence of sensory processing disorder in this population. Despite sensory-based intervention’s common usage globally, its implementation and associated challenges remain inadequately documented. The research employed a qualitative approach, conducting two focus group discussions with 14 experienced occupational therapists. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software revealed eight themes: intervention approaches, implementation references, common activities, implementation structure, strategies, intervention types, evaluation methods, and challenges encountered. The findings emphasize the importance of personalized intervention strategies to meet the diverse sensory needs of children with autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the necessity for developing comprehensive guidelines for effective sensory-based intervention implementation and underscores the need for individualized approaches. The study’s findings provide a contextual overview of sensory-based intervention in addressing sensory processing disorder among children with autism spectrum disorder. This research may inform the development of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for sensory interventions in occupational therapy practice, ultimately improving the quality of care for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Comparative analysis of imaging data in sensory and motor disorders in lumbar neurocompressive syndrome

Introduction Lumbar neurocompressive syndrome is a condition characterized by radicular pain, motor, sensory and reflex changes, as well as paresthesia or numbness in the lower limb. These symptoms can be triggered by positions and/or movements of the spine. In lumbar radiculopathy, both mechanical and inflammatory factors play significant roles. Material and methods The study included 102 patients with signs of lumbar neurocompressive syndrome. Of these, 51 (group I) patients were examined using MRI and the other 51 patients (group II) were examined using conventional radiographic investigation of the lumbosacral region of the spine. Results By analyzing the magnetic resonance imaging data of the lumbar spine, a threshold of statistical significance was determined (of 10%, p < 0.10) for patients with sensory disturbances in the lower limb in cases of stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal, and in patients with motor disorders in the lower limb, in the case of disc protrusions. The analysis of the magnetic resonance imaging data determined a significance threshold (of 5%, p < 0.05) in patients with sensory disorders (in the case of disc sequestrations and in the case of disc extrusions) as well as for motor disorders (in the case of disc extrusions, disc sequestrations and static disorders of the spine). The analysis of standard radiographs of the lumbar spine allowed the determination of the threshold of statistical significance (of 5%, p < 0.05) in patients with sensory disorders in the lower limb in cases of coxofemoral osteoarthritis and Schmorl’s hernias. For patients with motor disorders at the level of the lower limb, conventional radiography was informative in the presence of calcification of the intervertebral discs and in coxofemoral osteoarthritis. Conclusion MRI can be considered the first-choice imaging technique for diagnosis of the lumbar spine pathologies characterized by sensory and motor changes in the lower limbs.

A hiatus in the rivalry between Pierre Marie and Jules Dejerine: a collaborative study on sensory disorders by Andre Pierre Marie and Gustave Roussy.

Personal and professional rivalries involving prominent neurologists mark the history of nineteenth-century French neurology. One of the great examples is the feud between Pierre Marie and Jules Dejerine. The dispute between the two, nevertheless, did not prevent Pierre Marie's son, André Marie, and Gustave Roussy - one of Dejerine's favorite pupils, from collaborating on significant research that led to the doctoral dissertation by Andre Marie regarding sensory disturbances associated with painful hemiagnosia found in thalamic lesions.

Age-related hearing loss in older adults: etiology and rehabilitation strategies.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent sensory organ disorder among elderly individuals that significantly impacts their cognitive function, psychological well-being, and ability to perform activities of daily living. As the population ages, the number of ARHL patients is increasing. However, the Audiological rehabilitation (AR) status of patients is not promising. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the health and rehabilitation of elderly individuals, and significant progress has been made in researching various age-related disorders. However, a unified definition of ARHL in terms of etiology and rehabilitation treatment is still lacking. This study aims to provide a reference for future research on ARHL and the development of AR strategies by reviewing the classification, etiology, and rehabilitation of ARHL.

Sensory Neuronopathies: Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcome.

Sensory neuronopathies (SNNs) are a rare group of pure sensory disorders causing asymmetrical, multifocal pattern of sensory loss with distinct clinical and electrophysiological features. We aimed to study the clinical features and etiology and share the experience of treating SNN from our center. A prospective observational study was conducted over 3 years. Patients with predominant sensory complaints and electrophysiological evidence of neuropathy were evaluated. Possible/probable SNN was diagnosed using Camdessanch´e criteria. Detailed workup was done to determine the etiology and treatment given accordingly. Follow-up was done and response to treatment was assessed using modified Rankin Scale grading at 12 months. Fourteen patients with SNN were studied. Two (14.3%) patients were diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome (SS-SNN), two (14.3%) with paraneoplastic syndrome, one (7.1%) with leprous ganglionitis, and nine (64.3%) were idiopathic sensory neuronopathy (I-SNN) cases. Improvement occurred in nine (64.3%), stability in three (21.4%), and worsening in two (14.3%) patients. Out of 11 SS-SNN and I-SNN patients, eight showed improvement on follow-up, seven with injection rituximab (RTX) and one with azathioprine. We found positive correlation between RTX treatment and improvement on follow-up (P = 0.0256). Six (66.66%) out of nine I-SNN patients had early initiation of immunotherapy, of which all improved. There was positive correlation between early treatment initiation time in I-SNN patients and improvement (P = 0.0119). Promising results were noted in SS-SNN and I-SNN patients with intensive treatment approach using RTX. Hit hard and early treatment approach is crucial for achieving improvement in sensory neuronopathies.

Identification of novel genetic loci related to dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) morphometrics, biomechanics, and behavior by genome-wide association studies

In the realm of animal breeding for sustainability, domestic camels have traditionally been valued for their milk and meat production. However, key aspects such as zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior have often been overlooked in terms of their genetic foundations. Recognizing this gap, the present study perfomed genome-wide association analyses to identify genetic markers associated with zoometrics-, biomechanics-, and behavior-related traits in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). 16 and 108 genetic markers were significantly associated (q < 0.05) at genome and chromosome-wide levels of significance, respectively, with zoometrics- (width, length, and perimeter/girth), biomechanics- (acceleration, displacement, spatial position, and velocity), and behavior-related traits (general cognition, intelligence, and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) in dromedaries. In most association loci, the nearest protein-coding genes are linkedto neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders. This suggests that genetic variations related to neural development and sensory perception play crucial roles in shaping a dromedary camel’s physical characteristics and behavior. In summary, this research advances our understanding of the genomic basis of essential traits in dromedary camels. Identifying specific genetic markers associated with zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior provides valuable insights into camel domestication. Moreover, the links between these traits and genes related to neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders highlight the broader implications of domestication and modern selection on the health and welfare of dromedary camels. This knowledge could guide future breeding strategies, fostering a more holistic approach to camel husbandry and ensuring the sustainability of these animals in diverse agricultural contexts.

Changes in Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions from Preschool to Adolescence: Considerations for Precision Monitoring and Treatment Planning.

To describe retention of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis from preschool to adolescence and the most common co-occurring diagnoses among children with ASD in preschool and adolescence. A second objective was to identify co-occurring diagnoses more likely to emerge between preschool and adolescence among children with ASD vs. another developmental or mental health diagnosis in preschool. Children completed a case-control study when they were between 2 and 5 years of age. Caregivers reported their child's diagnoses of ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), any developmental delay (DD), epilepsy/seizure disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sensory integration disorder, and speech/language disorder when the child was preschool age and, separately, during adolescence. Any anxiety and depression/mood disorder, intellectual disability (ID), and learning disability (LD) were considered only in adolescence. 85.5% of preschool children retained their ASD diagnosis in adolescence. DD, sensory integration disorder, and speech-language disorder co-occurred in over 20% of preschool age children with ASD. These same conditions, along with anxiety disorders, ADHD, ID, and LD, co-occurred in over 20% of adolescents with ASD. Significantly more children with ASD vs. another developmental or mental health diagnosis in preschool gained diagnoses of ADHD, DD, sensory integration disorder, and speech-language disorder by adolescence. ASD is a highly stable diagnosis and co-occurring conditions are common. The prevalence of co-occurring diagnoses may depend on age, with some persisting from preschool to adolescence and others emerging over time. Health and education providers can use these findings to inform precision monitoring and treatment planning.

Efficiency of Lidocaine Intramuscular and Intraosseous Trigger Point Injections in the Treatment of Residual Chronic Pain after Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Decompression Surgery.

Introduction: Despite the long-term use of intramuscular and intraosseous lidocaine trigger point injections (LTPI) in the treatment of patients with low back pain, there have been no studies examining their efficiency in treatment of residual pain after degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) decompression surgery. The purpose of our research is to examine the LTPI efficiency in the treatment of residual lumbar pain after DLSS decompression surgery and to compare the analgesic and recovery effects of intramuscular and intraosseous LTPI administered in the L4-S1 region and in the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) after treatment and during four months of follow-up. Materials and Methods: We observed 99 patients (F:50, M:49) aged 42 to 59 years with residual neurological disorders after DLSS decompression surgery. In all patients, the pain syndrome exceeded 6 points on the VAS and averaged 7.2 ± 0.11 points. The control group (n = 21) underwent only pharmacotherapy. In addition to pharmacotherapy, the LTPI group underwent intramuscular LTPI in L4-S1 (n = 20), intramuscular LTPI in the PSIS (n = 19), intraosseous LTPI in L5, S1 (n = 20), and intraosseous LTPI in the PSIS (n = 19). A neurological examination was carried out before treatment, 7 days after completion of treatment, and at the end of the second and fourth months of the follow-up period. Results: In the control group, intramuscular LTPI in L4-S1 subgroup, intramuscular LTPI in PSIS subgroup, intraosseous LTPI in L5, S1 subgroup, and intraosseous LTPI in PSIS subgroup, the severity of pain decreased after treatment by 27.1% (p ≤ 0.05), 41.7% (p ≤ 0.01), 50.7% (p ≤ 0.01), 69% (p ≤ 0.01), and 84.7% (p ≤ 0.01), respectively, and at the end of the second month of follow-up, by 14.3% (p > 1), 29.2% (p ≤ 0.05), 38% (p ≤ 0.01), 53.5% (p ≤ 0.01), and 72.2% (p ≤ 0.01), respectively. Reduction of neurogenic claudication, regression of sensory deficit, increase of daily step activity, and improvement of quality of life after treatment were noted in intramuscular LTPI subgroups by 19.6% (p ≤ 0.05), 36.4 (p ≤ 0.05), 40.3% (p ≤ 0.01), and 21.0% (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, and in interosseous LTPI subgroups by 48.6% (p ≤ 0.01), 67.4% (p ≤ 0.01), 68.3% (p ≤ 0.01), and 46% (p ≤ 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: LTPI is highly effective in the treatment of patients with residual pain after DLSS decompression surgery. High analgesic effect, significant regression of sensory deficits and gait disorders, and remarkable improvement of daily step activity and quality of life are noted not only after the end of LTPI treatment but also continue for at least 2 months after treatment. Intraosseous LTPI is more effective than intramuscular LTPI by 92%, and LTPI in PSIS is more effective than LTPI in L4-S1 by 28.6%.

Impact of macular scotoma and tubular vision on oculomotor behavior and performance in visuospatial comparison tasks.

Our aim in this study was to understand how we perform visuospatial comparison tasks by analyzing ocular behavior and to examine how restrictions in macular or peripheral vision disturb ocular behavior and task performance. Two groups of 18 healthy participants with normal or corrected visual acuity performed visuospatial comparison tasks (computerized version of the elementary visuospatial perception [EVSP] test) (Pisella et al., 2013) with a gaze-contingent mask simulating either tubular vision (first group) or macular scotoma (second group). After these simulations of pathological conditions, all participants also performed the EVSP test in full view, enabling direct comparison of their oculomotor behavior and performance. In terms of oculomotor behavior, compared with the full view condition, alternation saccades between the two objects to compare were less numerous in the absence of peripheral vision, whereas the number of within-object exploration saccades decreased in the absence of macular vision. The absence of peripheral vision did not affect accuracy except for midline judgments, but the absence of central vision impaired accuracy across all visuospatial subtests. Besides confirming the crucial role of the macula for visuospatial comparison tasks, these experiments provided important insights into how sensory disorder modifies oculomotor behavior with or without consequences on performance accuracy.

David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian: Pioneers in Sensory Biology and Neuroscience.

Sensory biology is a critical area within neuroscience, exploring how organisms respond to environmental stimuli such as temperature, pain, and mechanical forces. David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian have made landmark contributions to this field by identifying crucial receptors. Julius's discovery of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, including transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), which detects heat and pain, revolutionized sensory biology and opened new paths for pain management. Similarly, Patapoutian's identification of Piezo channels, which respond to mechanical stimuli like touch and pressure, has deepened our understanding of sensory perception. Their combined work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also introduced potential treatments for chronic pain and sensory disorders. This paper reviews their contributions and the broader implications for sensory biology and therapeutic developments.

Brain-computer interfaces: the innovative key to unlocking neurological conditions.

Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury can pose significant threats to human mortality, morbidity, and functional independence. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, which facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices, emerges as an innovative key to unlocking neurological conditions, demonstrating significant promise in this context. This comprehensive review uniquely synthesizes the latest advancements in BCI research across multiple neurological disorders, offering an interdisciplinary perspective on both clinical applications and emerging technologies. We explore the progress in BCI research and its applications in addressing various neurological conditions, with a particular focus on recent clinical studies and prospective developments. Initially, the review provides an up-to-date overview of BCI technology, encompassing its classification, operational principles, and prevalent paradigms. It then critically examines specific BCI applications in movement disorders, disorders of consciousness, cognitive and mental disorders, as well as sensory disorders, highlighting novel approaches and their potential impact on patient care. This review reveals emerging trends in BCI applications, such as the integration of artificial intelligence and the development of closed-loop systems, which represent significant advancements over previous technologies. The review concludes by discussing the prospects and directions of BCI technology, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing bidirectional and high-performance BCIs, areas that have been underexplored in previous reviews. Additionally, we identify crucial gaps in current research, particularly in long-term clinical efficacy and the need for standardized protocols. The role of neurosurgery in spearheading the clinical translation of BCI research is highlighted. Our comprehensive analysis presents BCI technology as an innovative key to unlocking neurological disorders, offering a transformative approach to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating neurological conditions, with substantial potential to enhance patients' quality of life and advance the field of neurotechnology.