Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Monitoring Acupuncture Effects on Human Brain by fMRI
Published on: April 8, 2010
Functional MRI and pain
Kenneth Fomberstein1, Saeeda Qadri, Ramachandran Ramani
1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
This article reviews the current state of knowledge in functional MRI (fMRI) research related to pain with primary focus on clinical studies.
Recent Findings:
With fMRI, the subjective effects of pain (sensory, affect, emotion, and motor components) can be objectively imaged. Although the conventional fMRI technique has been the isolation of regions in the brain transmitting and modulating pain, functional connectivity measurement can identify functionally linked regions associated with pain processing. The primary and secondary somatosensory cortex (S1 and S2), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and insula are the four regions (part of pain matrix) consistently activated in pain states. Functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (PFC), ACC, and insula correlates well with clinical pain measures. The dorsal medial PFC to insula connectivity can identify patients prone to persistent back pain. Default mode network (DMN) to insula connectivity is associated with spontaneous pain in fibromyalgia patients. In addition, the DMN encompasses the PFC. Techniques for fMRI analysis, templates, and standards for identifying the functional networks in the brain are evolving continuously. The activation pattern with analgesic agents seems to be specific to the class of drugs.
Summary:
As we learn more about fMRI related to pain, functional connectivity patterns could emerge as biomarkers for specific pain conditions.
Insights
Functional MRI (fMRI) objectively images pain's subjective effects. Functional connectivity patterns show promise as biomarkers for specific pain conditions, aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Pain Research
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) is increasingly used to study pain perception.
- Understanding the neural basis of pain is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of functional MRI (fMRI) research in pain, focusing on clinical applications.
- To explore how fMRI can objectively image the subjective experience of pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies utilizing fMRI for pain assessment.
- Analysis of brain activation patterns and functional connectivity in pain states.
- Examination of evolving fMRI analysis techniques and standards.
Main Results:
- fMRI objectively images sensory, affective, and motor components of pain.
- Key brain regions consistently activated in pain include S1, S2, ACC, and insula.
- Functional connectivity, particularly involving the PFC, ACC, and insula, correlates with clinical pain.
- Connectivity patterns may predict persistent back pain and are associated with fibromyalgia pain.
- Drug-specific activation patterns observed with analgesic agents.
Conclusions:
- Functional connectivity patterns identified through fMRI hold potential as biomarkers for specific pain conditions.
- Continued research in fMRI for pain may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
More Related Videos
08:33A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
11:29Real-time Video Projection in an MRI for Characterization of Neural Correlates Associated with Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain
Published on: April 20, 2019
