Real-Time fMRI Feedback Effects on Pain Perception

Real-Time fMRI Feedback Effects on Pain Perception

The purpose of this study is to determine whether real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging may be a viable treatment for chronic pain in the future.

Twenty-four healthy volunteers will undergo a series of four fMRI scanning sessions wherein thermal pain stimuli will be used to elicit activation of the pain neuro-matrix. All participants will undergo thermal pain threshold testing before and after fMRI scan. Participants will also rate the painfulness and unpleasantness of the thermal stimuli applied before fMRI and after fMRI. All participants will be given prompts to apply a set of cognitive pain-control strategies. Half of the participants will receive real-time fMRI feedback of activity in the Right Anterior Cingulate Cortex (rACC) and the other half will receive real-time fMRI feedback of activity in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC). It is hypothesized that those receiving real-time feedback of brain activity thought to be involved with analgesic effects will demonstrate greater analgesia associated with the application of the cognitive control techniques after fMRI paradigm (decreased pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings and increased thermal pain thresholds) than those who are not given feedback before fMRI paradigm.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults ages 18-65

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical depression
• Anxiety
• Substance dependence or chronic pain
• Ferrous metal implants
• Cardiac pacemakers or other implanted medical devices that might be adversely impacted by the MRI scanner magnetic field