- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
In this study, we aim to further understand the clinical features of nociplastic pain, particularly light sensitivity, in people with chronic whiplash – associated disorders (WAD) as compared to a healthy control group by measuring the Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR). This study also examines the association between light sensitivity with more commonly demonstrated features of nociplastic pain in WAD such as hypersensitivity to pressure, thermal, and eletrical stimuli.
Pupillometry assesses light sensitivity by measuring both the size and reaction of the pupil when stimulated with a brief flash of light. When this light stimulus is applied, our parasympathetic system forces the pupil to constrict and then our sympathetic system compensates for this reaction by forcing the pupil to redilate. In our study, we observed the WAD affected group had less pupil constriction and quicker pupil re-dilation when the light stimulus was applied as compared to the healthy control group. By testing the PLR via pupillometry, we were able to demonstrate both parasympathetic and sympathetic dysfunction in the WAD affected group. In addition to this finding, there was no relationship observed between the PLR measures and the nociplastic pain measures typically found in people with WAD indicating the changes observed in the autonomic system occur independently of features associated with hypersensitivity of the central nervous system. Thus, concurrent dysfunction of both the autonomic and central nervous system is evident.
This study possibly observes for the first time the disruption of the parasympathic nervous system in WAD affected people. Unexpectedly, we found that the pain processing occuring in WAD affected people has no affect on their autonomic response, and thus, the door is now open to investigate autonomic dysfunction in WAD with a special focus on the PLR.
If you have questions or comments about this post, please email us at research@vivocura.ca
NOTE: This was written to help the reader become familiar with some of the research we are doing here at Vivo Cura Health. This post, and all other content on this website are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a certified healthcare provider to discuss if a treatment is right for you.
