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A review on mismatch negativity in chronic pain
Neha Ramu1, Omkar Solankey2, Pradeep Dheerendra3,4
1Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
IBRO Neuroscience Reports
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Mismatch negativity (MMN) shows altered responses in chronic pain patients, with smaller amplitudes and longer latencies observed. Further research is needed to confirm MMN as a reliable biomarker for chronic pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Chronic pain affects millions globally, posing a significant healthcare burden with suboptimal current treatments.
- Event-related potentials (ERPs), particularly mismatch negativity (MMN), are being investigated for their role in chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and assess alterations in mismatch negativity (MMN) in patients experiencing chronic pain.
- To evaluate the potential of MMN as a reliable biomarker for chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases.
- Keywords used included 'chronic pain' and 'mismatch negativity'.
- Seven studies were included, examining both experimentally induced and naturally occurring chronic pain conditions.
Main Results:
- Three studies reported smaller MMN amplitudes in chronic pain patients.
- Two studies indicated longer MMN latency in chronic pain.
- Studies showing larger MMN responses suggested a link to increased attention to pain.
Conclusions:
- Existing literature suggests MMN alterations in chronic pain, with potential applications in understanding neural pathophysiology and therapeutic advancements.
- Limited studies and the unexamined effect of pain medication necessitate further research to establish MMN as a reliable pharmacodynamic marker for chronic pain.
