Systematic review and co ‐ordinate based meta‐analysis to summarize the utilization of functional brain imaging in conjunction with human models of peripheral and central sensitization

ConclusionsThis meta-analysis revealed substantial but incomplete overlap between brain areas related to neural mechanisms of hyperalgesia and those reflecting the efficacy of analgesic drugs. Studies testing in the secondary zone were more sensitive to evaluate analgesic efficacy on central sensitization at brainstem or thalamocortical levels.SignificanceExperimental pain models that provide a surrogate for features of pathological pain conditions in healthy humans and functional imaging techniques are both highly valuable research tools. This review shows that when used together, they provide a wealth of information about brain activity during pain states and analgesia. These tools are promising candidates to help bridge the gap between animal and human studies, to improve translatability and provide opportunities for identification of new targets for back-translation to animal studies.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research