Understanding how the brain processes different types of pain
Official title: Dissociating Sensory and Integrative Pain Processes in the Human Insula
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11037782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps us feel and understand pain works, especially in people with epilepsy who have special electrodes in their brains, to find better ways to treat chronic pain that fit each person's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS140918-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic pain conditions who may also have epilepsy and have indwelling electrodes in their insula for medical evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic pain or those who do not have access to the necessary neurosurgical interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's insula region processes pain by distinguishing between sensory signals and higher-order cognitive and emotional responses. By studying patients with epilepsy who have electrodes implanted in their insula, researchers will use electrical stimulation and sensory testing to explore how these different pain processes can be modulated. The goal is to develop personalized pain therapies that address the unique pain experiences of each patient, potentially leading to more effective treatments for chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques to modulate pain, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramayya, Ashwin — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ramayya, Ashwin
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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.