How do Neuroanatomical Changes in Individuals with Chronic Pain Result in the Constant Perception of Pain?

Abstract

Since the advent of anatomical brain imaging analysis techniques, numerous reports have shown altered regional brain anatomy in individuals with various chronic pain conditions. While early reports of increased regional brain volumes in taxi drivers and pianists were simply interpreted as responses to excessive use, the mechanisms responsible for anatomical changes associated with chronic pain are not so straightforward. The main aim of this paper is to explore the potential underlying cellular changes responsible for change in gross brain anatomy in individuals with chronic pain, in particular pain following nervous system damage. Determining the basis of these changes may provide a platform for development of targeted, personalized and ultimately more effective treatment regimens.

KEYWORDS:

• astrocytes
• GABA
• infra-slow oscillations
• neuropathic pain
• spinal trigeminal nucleus
• thalamocortical rhythm
• voxel-based morphometry

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and the NGW Macintosh memorial fund. Research results by Henderson referred to in this manuscript were supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (grants #160278 and #160279). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and the NGW Macintosh memorial fund. Research results by Henderson referred to in this manuscript were supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (grants #160278 and #160279). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.