A new study published in Nature Neuroscienceshows that chronic pain that results from an injury may be linked to the parts of a victim’s brain that deal with emotion and motivation. These two sectors of the brain tend to communicate more in victims who develop chronic pain after an accident, according to U.S. News.
During the study, researchers scanned the brains of 40 patients experiencing
recent back pain for the first time, with
back injuries being one of the most common causes of chronic pain in the U.S. Through
scanning the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of the brain, researchers
had an 85 percent accuracy rate for predicting whether or not patients
would develop chronic pain. While there was not a direct cause-and-effect
relationship proven by the study, there was an association shown by the
evidence that was found.
According to research, the brain regions of some victims may be predisposed
to interact on a more excitable level with one another, increasing the
chances of chronic pain being felt from injury. This may be caused by
genetic or environmental influences on the development of the brain. Because
of this high level of interaction within the brain, the lingering effects
of injuries may be felt more strongly than in those without the predisposition.
With this new discovery, the researchers hope to find new treatments to
ease and possibly rid the pain of patients suffering chronic pain.
Whether or not chronic pain resulting from an injury is due to brain activity, the harm felt can seriously damage the physical, emotional, and mental capabilities of a victim. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the reckless actions of another party, the Pleasanton personal injury lawyers at Caputo & Van Der Walde LLP can help you find compensation for your losses. For a free consultation on your possible case, contact our legal team today at (800) 900-0863.