All articles tagged with #pain
A preclinical CNS-targeted gene therapy dampens pain signals in specific brain circuits to relieve chronic pain while avoiding the brain reward pathways tied to addiction, using AI-guided imaging and animal models, with an off switch for long-lasting relief and moving toward clinical trials to help the roughly 50 million Americans affected by chronic pain.
A large genetic study has identified 26 genetic regions linked to fibromyalgia, revealing that the condition primarily originates in the brain's neural circuits that control pain sensitivity, rather than in muscles or joints. The findings suggest fibromyalgia is related to nervous system hypersensitivity and shares genetic links with other disorders like chronic fatigue and PTSD, offering new avenues for early detection and targeted treatments.
The study identifies Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus as key modulators of long-term pain, showing that their activity correlates with persistent pain states and can be suppressed by need states like hunger and thirst through NPY signaling, which gates nociceptive input to promote survival.
Sanjay Gupta discusses the nature of pain, how the brain processes it, and methods to manage and reduce pain through natural and medical means, emphasizing that pain doesn't always have to hurt and can be influenced by mental training and understanding of the body's systems.
The article discusses unexpected signs of a heart attack, illustrated by Lindsay Shanks' experience of sharp pain, tingling hands, and nausea while she was sleeping, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical symptoms.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the nature of pain, emphasizing that all pain is processed in the brain and can be managed through various treatments beyond opioids, including nerve blocks, virtual reality, and meditation, offering hope for those suffering from chronic pain.
A study analyzing Reddit posts reveals that many men experience fear, regret, and persistent pain after vasectomy, challenging the perception of it being a largely risk-free procedure. The findings highlight the importance of transparent, nuanced communication about potential long-term outcomes to ensure truly informed consent, especially as online discussions increasingly influence health decisions.
A study shows that past injuries can cause long-term hypersensitivity to fear and pain by involving stress hormones and the TRPA1 receptor, which may explain chronic pain and trauma-related disorders. The research highlights that fear and pain, while related, are driven by different biological pathways, offering potential targets for treatment.
Research shows that ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice in pain can trigger hyperalgesia and brain inflammation in nearby mice, even without direct injury, highlighting how environmental and emotional stressors like stressful sounds can worsen pain and interfere with treatment in humans.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a new brain circuit involving CGRP neurons in the thalamus that mediates the emotional aspect of pain, challenging traditional views and offering potential new treatments for chronic pain and related psychiatric conditions like PTSD and migraines.
Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, a neuroscientist at Columbia University, is leading research into the perception of pleasurable and painful touches, aiming to understand how the brain determines whether a touch to the skin is painful or pleasurable. His work has led to insights into the neural circuits that govern pleasure and pain in animals, as well as the development of new measurement tools for quantifying pain and pleasure in lab animals. Abdus-Saboor's research also explores the potential medical implications of targeting the skin for therapeutic purposes and the study of touch in naked mole rats. Throughout his career, he has faced challenges but encourages aspiring scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their passion and not to be discouraged by obstacles.
Researchers have discovered a new role for proteasomes in nerve cells, suggesting that these structures, traditionally known as the cell's waste processors, may act as signal messengers in sensory neurons, aiding in the differentiation between pain and itch sensations. By blocking proteasomes with specific inhibitors in mice, significant changes in sensory response were observed, highlighting the potential for proteasomes to be targeted for therapeutic interventions in sensory disorders. This study redefines our understanding of proteasome functions and opens new avenues for treating sensory disorders.
Machine Gun Kelly shares a video documenting the painful process of getting a full upper torso blackout tattoo, revealing scarring, bleeding, and swelling over 7 intense sessions. Describing it as the most painful experience of his life, he underwent the transformation for "spiritual purposes only," with his tattoo artist praising his resilience. Despite the agony, Kelly is already considering his next tattoo.
BBC reporter Heledd Roberts shares her 12-year struggle to get a diagnosis for endometriosis, recounting excruciating daily pains and the need for private consultation and surgery due to long NHS wait times, highlighting the average ten-year wait for diagnosis in Wales and the financial barriers to private treatment.
A woman in her late 40s shares her experience of contracting shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, despite believing she was too young for it. Initially mistaking the symptoms for a nerve issue, she eventually received a diagnosis and started antiviral medication, but continues to suffer from intense pain. She urges people over 50 to get the shingles vaccine and advises those with vulnerable immune systems or high stress levels to consider discussing vaccination options with their healthcare providers.