In 2013, neuroscientists from the University of Colorado (boulder), New York University, John Hopkins University, and the University of Michigan began using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify objective measures of pain. By looking at the scans of 114 subjects they developed a method to measure and predict pain intensity at the individual level. Their method involved the study of neurological signatures, which are patterns of brain activity seen when the subjects were exposed to pain stimuli. These signatures are transferable across different people, allowing the team to predict pain intensity with over 95% accuracy.
More recently a Philadelphia start up company PainQx, is a developing a program to help push the frontier of pain assessment. This program uses EEG (electroencephalogram) measurements to objectively answer the question of: how much does it hurt? Advances in brain mapping is allowing the PainQx program to study electro-activity of a patients to brain to map out a patients pain reaction. The current CEO of PainQx, Frank Minella, states that the next steps for this technology is to implement its use in pain management clinical trials and then transition it into nursing homes and assisted living centers where patients ability to communicate pain may be limited.
Overall, this technology has the potential to change the status quo and usher in a new understanding of pain management and assessment. It could help reduce the need for pain medication preventing over treatment and addiction.
References:
1. . (2015). Io9. Retrieved 26 October, 2015, from http://io9.com/scientists-succeed-in-objectively-measuring-pain-472456061
In-text citation: (George dvorsky, 2015)
2. . (2015). MedCity News. Retrieved 26 October, 2015, from http://medcitynews.com/2015/06/objectively-measuring-pain-device/?rf=1
In-text citation: (Medcitynewscom, 2015)
I really like the idea of using fMRI technology to measure pain, and I like that the researchers are looking to develop to a standardized method for measuring pain. However, I wonder how efficient MRIs would be in settings like the Emergency Department. Also, how would the measurements differ for individuals with chronic pain? Overall, if the scans can be effectively transferred to a clinical setting, it would be beneficial to healthcare providers and could help prevent over treatment.
ReplyDeleteUsing fMRI for pain scale seem very promising. Since pain intensity vary from people to people, I wonder how they are establishing there baseline. Studies have shown that for many kinds, but not all kinds of stimuli, women have a lower tolerance for pain.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting! I broke my arm a few weeks ago and when asked the generic question,"On a scale of 1-10, what's your pain?" I responded with a 6. Of course that was the worst pain I've ever felt, but when thinking about my answer, I thought there could definitely be more pain. Pain and feelings are subjective and everyone would respond with a different number so I also wonder how they can predict the number the patient would respond with.
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