Understanding how brain circuits related to pain function over time
Official title: Spatiotemporal Alterations of Thalamocortical Circuitry Functioning Underlie Pain
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11056161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain processes pain to better understand what happens in both short-term and long-lasting pain, and it’s exploring a new way to help ease pain using a technique that stimulates brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,057 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129059-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic low back pain or other forms of chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain that does not persist or those without any neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex neural mechanisms underlying pain by examining how thalamocortical circuitry functions in both acute and chronic pain conditions. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques like EEG and fMRI, the study aims to identify alterations in brain connectivity and rhythms associated with pain. The researchers will also explore the potential of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to restore normal brain function and alleviate pain symptoms. By linking spatial and temporal aspects of brain activity, this research seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for managing chronic pain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques to understand and treat pain, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Jian — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kong, Jian
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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.