Uncovering Brain Signatures of Chronic Pain for Objective Measurement and Treatment
Scientists have discovered brain signals that can indicate the amount of pain a person is experiencing, which could lead to breakthrough treatments for chronic pain. The study shows that it’s possible to track and predict recurrences of chronic pain even when sufferers are going about their daily lives. The discovery raises the possibility of treating chronic pain with brain stimulation therapy, which is already used to treat depression and Parkinson’s. The current treatments for chronic pain are not very effective, and opioids are addictive, hence the search for new ways to manage the problem.