Exploring how brain stimulation can help reduce chronic pain
Dissecting motor cortex modulation of nociception during chronic pain
This study is looking at how gentle electrical or magnetic stimulation of the brain can help reduce chronic pain, using a rodent model to learn more about how it works and how it might lead to better, safer treatments for people suffering from long-term pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10697389 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of non-invasive electrical or magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex to alleviate chronic pain. By studying how this stimulation affects pain pathways in the brain, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind its pain-relieving effects. The study will utilize a rodent model to explore the effectiveness of targeted stimulation and the role of natural opioids in enhancing pain relief. The findings could lead to improved clinical practices for managing chronic pain without the use of addictive medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly those related to facial pain or neuropathic pain.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain or those not experiencing chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-addictive method for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with motor cortex stimulation in reducing chronic pain, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mercer Lindsay, Nicole — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mercer Lindsay, Nicole
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.