A new study published in Nature Neuroscience shows 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.