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Psychophysically-anchored, Robust Thresholding in Studying Pain-related Lateralization of Oscillatory Prestimulus Activity
Published on: January 21, 2017
Intrinsic variability in the human response to pain is assembled from multiple, dynamic brain processes
Stephen D Mayhew1, Nicholas Hylands-White2, Camillo Porcaro3
1School of Psychology and BUIC, University of Birmingham, UK.
Neuroimage
|March 15, 2013
Summary
Trial-by-trial variability in brain activity, specifically the default-mode network (DMN), influences pain perception. Resting-state connectivity and EEG alpha oscillations modulate these pain responses, revealing key neurobiological insights.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Brain and behavioral responses to pain exhibit significant trial-by-trial variability.
- The neuronal sources and functional implications of this variability are not well understood.
- Understanding pain variability is crucial for linking brain function to behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between natural fluctuations in pain ratings, brain network activity, and intrinsic connectivity.
- To characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of brain responses during noxious stimulation.
- To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of trial-by-trial variability in pain perception.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were recorded during rest and noxious thermal stimulation.
- Analysis focused on resting-state functional connectivity, fMRI response variability, and EEG evoked-potential amplitude.
- The study examined the predictive role of the default-mode network (DMN) and EEG alpha oscillations.
Main Results:
- fMRI response variability in the pain network depends on resting-state functional connectivity and is modulated by behavior.
- Pre-stimulus default-mode network (DMN) activity predicts pain ratings, evoked potentials, and pain network BOLD responses.
- EEG alpha oscillation power modulates the DMN fMRI response to pain, highlighting complex interactions.
Conclusions:
- Trial-by-trial variability in brain activity, particularly within the DMN, is neurobiologically significant for pain perception.
- Interactions between alpha oscillations, DMN activity, and pain responses underscore the complexity of subjective pain experience.
- Multiple interconnected factors contribute to the brain's response to pain and the emergence of subjective pain.
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