Maladaptive reorganization following SCI: The role of body representation and multisensory integration.

• Multisensory integration, body representation, and pain are often linked. • Neural changes in SCI may influence multisensory integration and body representation. • Neuropathic pain in SCI may be partially related to deficits in multisensory body representation. • Multisensory integration and body representation in SCI are novel fields of study. • Multisensory trainings may be beneficial to prevent maladaptive brain reorganization. In this review we focus on maladaptive brain reorganization after spinal cord injury (SCI), including the development of neuropathic pain, and its relationship with impairments in body representation and multisensory integration. We will discuss the implications of altered sensorimotor interactions after SCI with and without neuropathic pain and possible deficits in multisensory integration and body representation. Within this framework we will examine published research findings focused on the use of bodily illusions to manipulate multisensory body representation to induce analgesic effects in heterogeneous chronic pain populations and in SCI-related neuropathic pain. We propose that the development and intensification of neuropathic pain after SCI is partly dependent on brain reorganization associated with dysfunctional multisensory integration processes and distorted body representation. We conclude this review by suggesting future research avenues that may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the sense of the body after SCI, with a focus on cortical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]