Key result
Machine-learning models based on dynamic brain network organization patterns discriminated sustained pain from a pain-free control condition with 98% accuracy.
Why the study?
It remains unclear how functional brain network representations are dynamically reconfigured over time during the experience of pain.
How are functional brain network representations dynamically reconfigured over time during sustained pain?
Observational (n=122)
Counterbalanced
No
How are functional brain network representations dynamically reconfigured over time during sustained pain?
p-value: p=3.68 × 10-13
Dynamic functional brain network features can significantly predict changes in pain experience during sustained pain, providing insights into pain modulation.
Dynamic network reconfiguration during sustained pain may refine biomarkers; leaves open validation in clinical cohorts before therapeutic translation.
A bstract Pain is constructed through complex interactions among multiple brain systems, but it remains unclear how functional brain network representations are dynamically reconfigured over time while experiencing pain. Here, we investigated the dynamic changes in the functional brain networks during 20-min capsaicin-induced sustained orofacial pain. In the early stage, the orofacial areas of the primary somatomotor cortex were separated from the other primary somatomotor cortices and integrated with subcortical and frontoparietal regions, constituting a brain-wide pain supersystem. As pain decreased over time, the subcortical and frontoparietal regions were separated from this pain supersystem and connected to multiple cerebellar regions. Machine-learning models based on these dynamic network features showed significant predictions of changes in pain experience across two independent datasets ( n = 48 and 74). This study provides new insights into how multiple brain systems dynamically interact to construct and modulate pain experience, potentially advancing our mechanistic understanding of chronic pain.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lee et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Healthy participants (experimental pain model) (n=122). Capsaicin-induced tonic orofacial pain vs. No-pain resting condition was evaluated on Classification accuracy for capsaicin versus control conditions using a module allegiance-based classifier (p=3.68 × 10-13). Machine-learning models based on dynamic brain network organization patterns discriminated sustained pain from a pain-free control condition with 98% accuracy.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: