Understanding how long-term opioid use affects the brain in chronic pain patients
Multivariate Machine Learning to Characterize Opioid-induced Alterations in the Brain in Chronic Pain
This study is looking at how using prescription opioids for a long time affects the brain in people with chronic pain, using special imaging and tests to find out what changes happen, so we can improve pain treatment options for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10853034 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of long-term prescription opioid use on the brain's structure and function in patients suffering from chronic pain. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET, along with sensory testing and cognitive assessments, the study aims to uncover changes in brain morphology and neural activity associated with opioid use. Machine learning methods will be employed to analyze the data and identify patterns that could inform better treatment strategies for chronic pain management.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic pain who have been prescribed opioids for more than 90 days.
Not a fit: Patients who have not used opioids or those with acute pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for chronic pain patients who are using opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of opioids on brain function, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarrahi, Behnaz — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Jarrahi, Behnaz
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.