Brain processing of itch and scratch

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the findings of neuroimaging studies that investigated the processing of itch and scratching in the superior relays of central nervous system (CNS), when itch was induced experimentally or when pathological pruritus was studied as a preexisting condition in chronic diseases. Imaging the central processing of itch can lead to a better understanding of itch perception and its mechanisms, provide insight into potentially altered CNS processing of pruritus in disease states, and identify sources of central sensitization. Brain imaging can detect functional and anatomic changes in chronic itch and can ultimately indicate how itch can be inhibited for therapeutic purposes.