Functional Brain Imaging of Pain Phenotype and Genotype

Brain Imaging of Pain Phenotype and Genotype With Novel Scanning Techniques

This study has two purposes: first, to locate and identify the "brain activation" (the areas of the brain) which respond to pain; and second, to look at how brain activation is influenced by a person's genetics (the traits they inherited from their parents). A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner will be used to gather pictures of the brain (similar to an x-ray, but based on different scientific principles) that will be used to determine which areas are active. The hypothesis is that the variation in brain activity between people can be partially explained by genetic differences. This study consists of an two pain tasks applied during a one time visit to the MRI suite. There are no followup visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 to 50
• Right-handed
• Male or female
• Healthy individuals not taking any medication.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Diagnosed with any treated or untreated medical or neurological conditions
• Using any prescription drugs, including antidepressants, pain medications, sedative medications, blood pressure medications, seizure medications, or antipsychotics. Oral contraceptives are permitted
• Using any over-the-counter medications including aspirin, Tylenol, or herbal supplements
• Using any illicit substances
• Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging.