Brain imaging: a promising biomarker for pain

Abstract

Clinicians and researchers have the problem of objectively assessing the intensity and characteristics of pain. Furthermore, the widespread use of Visual-Analogue scales during the past decade highlights the need for a reliable and quantitative biological marker of pain. Mono-and multidimensional measures of pain, based on the activity of one or more brain regions involved in the quantification of painful inputs, have become the focus of extensive research. The growing availability of non-invasive functional imaging has in fact fueled a revolution in the field: a novel multiparametric pain signature was recently introduced and tested in patients, and proven effective in evaluating the intensity of painful inputs, and the effects of analgesics on those stimuli.