Falanga torture, disability, pain mechanisms and behavioural consequences
Research project
Contact persons: Karen Prip; Ann L. Persson; Bengt H. Sjölund
One specific torture method is falanga which is systematic
repeated application of blunt trauma to the soles of the
feet.
Years after falanga, chronic pain in the feet and in the lower
legs is common, often as deep, dull and cramping pain, and walking
is impaired.
We have demonstrated signs of neuropathic pain in the victim's
feet (1) and have just completed a study of the victim's activity
limitations (2).
We will explore the pain mechanism further through Quantitative
Sensory Testing to clarify the mechanisms and to enable effective
impairment therapy.
1. Prip K, Persson AL. Clinical findings in men with chronic pain
after falanga torture. Clinical Journal of Pain
2008;24:135-41.
2. Prip K, Persson AL, Sjölund BH. Exposure to falanga determines
long term activity limitations in a cohort of torture victims in
exile. Abstract 820. 6th Congress of the European Federation of
IASP Chapters (EFIC) 2009, Lisbon. European Journal of Pain
2009;13(suppl1):S235.