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The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Acute and Chronic Pain
David A Seminowicz1, Massieh Moayedi2
1Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.
The Journal of Pain
|April 13, 2017
Summary
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) shows abnormalities in chronic pain, which reverse with successful treatment. Targeting the DLPFC offers a potential therapeutic strategy for chronic pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is crucial for cognitive, affective, and sensory processing.
- DLPFC dysfunction is observed in chronic pain populations, with some studies noting decreased gray matter.
- The DLPFC is implicated in both acute pain modulation and chronic pain states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroimaging literature on the DLPFC's role in chronic pain.
- To evaluate the DLPFC as a potential therapeutic target for chronic pain.
- To explore mechanisms underlying DLPFC's effect on pain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroimaging studies on DLPFC and pain.
- Analysis of studies investigating DLPFC structure and function in chronic pain.
- Examination of noninvasive brain stimulation studies targeting the DLPFC for pain.
Main Results:
- DLPFC abnormalities (functional and structural) are associated with chronic pain.
- Successful pain interventions can reverse these DLPFC abnormalities.
- Noninvasive DLPFC stimulation shows potential for acute pain modulation and chronic pain treatment.
Conclusions:
- The DLPFC is a key region involved in chronic pain processing and modulation.
- Reversal of DLPFC abnormalities post-treatment highlights its plasticity.
- Targeting the DLPFC, particularly through noninvasive stimulation, presents a promising therapeutic avenue for chronic pain.