Researchers at the European
Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo just outside
Rome have come up with a technique for managing chronic pain
using light, according to an article published in Nature
Communications on Tuesday.
The research team led by Paul Heppenstall has developed a
light-sensitive chemical that selectively binds to a special
population of nerve cells in the skin that are responsible for
sensitivity to gentle touch and which also cause severe pain in
patients with neuropathic pain.
By first injecting the affected skin area with the chemical
and then illuminating it with near-infrared light, the targeted
nerve cells retract from the skin's surface, leading to pain
relief for up to three weeks
So far the technique has only been tested effectively on
mice.
"In pathologies even the stimulus normally linked to stroking
can cause suffering," researcher Linda Nocchi told ANSA.
Neuropathic pain is a chronic illness affecting 7-8% of the
European population, with no effective treatment that doesn't
induce side effects, the researchers say.
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