![]() ![]() Alpha activity has an active role in coordinating the processing of incoming sensory information, including sensory pain information. 21Ī particularly promising target for neuro-therapies is alpha activity–oscillatory brain activity at 8–12 Hz that can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG). ![]() 20 Therefore, brain-stimulation techniques that can modulate these responses (‘neuro-therapies’) could be used to relieve pain. 14 – 16 Chronic pain is associated with changes in brain structure and function 17 – 19 and increased activity in brain regions involved in emotional processing of pain. Pain experience is the result of an integration of sensory pain information and various other influences including attention, emotions and expectations within a widespread brain network called the pain matrix. 9 – 13 Thus, there is a pressing need for effective, safe and accessible alternatives for the treatment of chronic pain.Ī target of considerable interest for the development of novel treatment approaches is the brain’s response to pain. Moreover, both come with a risk of serious side effects. Yet, evidence for the effectiveness of long-term opioid treatment is limited and NSAIDS are not recommended for long-term use. The mainstay of treatment for chronic pain is with pharmacological therapies such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 5, 6 The cost associated with chronic pain is estimated to exceed that of cancer, diabetes or heart disease. ![]() 2, 3 Chronic pain is a significant health problem affecting around 20% of adults in Europe 4 and is one of the largest contributors to adult-onset disability worldwide. 1 However, when pain is chronic, it is associated with a range of physical and psychological pathologies. Pain is a physiological marker of illness or injury and can be considered as a learning signal. ![]()
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