Understanding how brain circuits communicate in chronic pain

Corticothalamic network function in chronic pain

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11113880

This study is looking at how different parts of the brain work together to create the feeling of chronic pain, and it's for anyone who wants to understand how things like mood and expectations can affect their pain experience.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113880 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex nature of chronic pain by examining how different brain circuits communicate with each other. It aims to uncover the mechanisms through which sensory, cognitive, and emotional information is integrated to create the experience of pain. By using direct recordings from the brain and advanced analytical methods, the study will explore how specific brain regions interact and how these interactions may change over time. The research will also look at how factors like mood and expectations can influence pain perception in both controlled and real-world settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who are willing to participate in brain recording procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain or those who do not have chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing and treating chronic pain more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain networks related to pain, but this study aims to provide deeper insights using novel methodologies.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.