FeaturedNeurologyPain·November 13, 2017·5 min readWhy Head and Face Pain Cause More SufferingDuke researchers have discovered head and facial sensory neurons are directly wired into one of the brain's main emotional signaling hubs. Sensory neurons throughout the rest of the body are indirectly connected to the system. The findings help explain why head and face pains are more emotionally draining than other pains.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePainPsychology·July 18, 2021·5 min readWhy It Hurts to See Others Suffer: Pain and Empathy Linked in the BrainReducing sensitivity to physical pain resulted in a reduction of pain empathy toward others, a study found. The results suggest a possible neurobiological link between pain and empathy.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·April 4, 2022·4 min readWhy Long COVID Can Cause PainCOVID-19 infection leaves a gene expression signature in the dorsal root ganglia which persist after the virus has cleared. The signature matched other gene expression patterns seen in pain caused by other conditions.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyPainPsychology·December 30, 2020·3 min readWhy Opioids Cannot Fix Chronic PainStudy explores the role the reward system plays in chronic pain, finding emotional and physical pain are bidirectional. Opioids, researchers report, ultimately make things worse.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·September 6, 2020·3 min readWhy People with Knee Osteoarthritis Experience Different Kinds of PainPeople with osteoarthritis in the knee who report more pain sensations are more likely to suffer constant and unpredictable pain. Researchers identified a potential mechanism in the nervous system that could explain why people experience varying pain patterns associated with knee osteoarthritis.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyPainPsychology·May 29, 2018·3 min readWhy Some Gain While in PainA new study looks at why pain enhances some people's ability to perform well.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPain·August 17, 2021·4 min readWidespread Pain Linked to Heightened Dementia and Stroke RiskWidespread pain, a subset of chronic pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders, is linked to an increased risk of all types of dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, and a greater risk of stroke.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPain·March 29, 2019·5 min readWoman with novel gene mutation lives almost pain-freeA rare genetic mutation has been associated with pain insensitivity. The findings could further research into new treatments to target pain.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPain·October 26, 2023·5 min readYour Favorite Song Might Just Be Your Pain’s Worst EnemyResearchers discovered that music, specifically individuals' favorite tracks, can reduce pain perception. In the study, participants felt less pain intensity and unpleasantness when listening to their favorite music compared to unfamiliar relaxing tunes or silence.Read More
