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The brain in chronic pain: clinical implications.
1Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, 303 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610, USA.
Pain Management
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Brain imaging reveals that the brain reorganizes in chronic pain patients, with specific network and receptor targets identified. Future research should integrate advanced brain imaging and translational methods for better understanding and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic pain is a complex condition with evolving theoretical frameworks.
- Brain imaging techniques offer new insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the current and future impact of brain imaging on understanding chronic pain.
- To highlight novel theories of chronic pain emerging from neuroimaging studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human brain imaging studies in individuals with chronic pain.
- Identification of specific brain network and receptor targets associated with pain.
Main Results:
- Brain reorganization patterns are specific to the type of clinical pain observed.
- Neuroimaging facilitates the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
- Reverse translation of findings to animal models for efficacy and mechanism studies.
Conclusions:
- Brain imaging is crucial for advancing novel theories of chronic pain.
- Future research must integrate diverse human brain imaging modalities.
- Intensified reverse translational research is necessary to validate findings and develop treatments.
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