Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain. By decoding brain signals, researchers have successfully identified the brain activity associated with chronic pain, raising hope for innovative therapies. This development marks the first time that the underlying brain activity of chronic pain has been decoded in patients, potentially opening doors for the application of brain stimulation therapies already used in Parkinson’s disease and major depression.
What sayd Prasad Shirvalkar
Prasad Shirvalkar, the lead researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that the study demonstrates chronic pain can be tracked and predicted in real-world scenarios. By monitoring patients’ brain activity through implanted electrodes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), researchers were able to collect data on pain experiences throughout daily activities. With this information, an algorithm was trained to predict an individual’s pain levels based on electrical signals from the OFC, establishing an objective biomarker for this type of pain.
Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 28 million adults in the UK alone experiencing it for at least three months despite medication or treatment. Currently, medical treatments for chronic pain have limited effectiveness, resulting in a need for a paradigm shift in how healthcare services address this condition.
The study’s findings have the potential to impact ongoing clinical trials exploring deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for chronic pain. DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes that emit electrical pulses to disrupt problematic signals in the brain. While it is considered a last-resort treatment due to the involved brain surgery, DBS has already shown success in managing Parkinson’s disease and major depressive disorder. The identification of specific brain signals associated with chronic pain can enhance the effectiveness of DBS by enabling precise targeting of the problematic signals.
Prof Blair Smith, an expert in chronic pain at the University of Dundee, highlights the lack of objective measures for pain, making it challenging for doctors to assess treatment effectiveness. This research not only offers the potential for objective pain measurement but also enhances understanding of the biological mechanisms involved. However, Smith cautions that pain is a complex phenomenon influenced by psychological, social, and cultural factors, previous pain experiences, and individual expectations.
Is Chronic Pain a Disability?
Chronic pain can be considered a disability, depending on the severity and impact it has on an individual’s daily life and ability to engage in work or other activities. In many cases, chronic pain can significantly limit a person’s mobility, functionality, and overall quality of life, making it difficult to perform essential tasks or maintain regular employment.
However, it’s important to note that the determination of disability related to chronic pain may vary based on legal definitions and criteria established by different jurisdictions or governing bodies. These criteria typically consider factors such as the duration and persistence of the pain, the extent to which it interferes with daily activities, and the availability and effectiveness of treatments or accommodations. Ultimately, the classification of chronic pain as a disability is usually determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and individual needs of the person experiencing the pain.