New Brain Zap Therapy Helps Chronic Pain Patients in Exeter

A new brain stimulation technique from Exeter University shows promise, with patients reporting reduced pain levels after treatment. This could offer new hope for the 26% of UK adults living with chronic pain.
By Newsroom | Health, Science |

A novel brain stimulation technique, detailed in recent University of Exeter research, offers a potential new avenue for addressing chronic pain. The procedure targets the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a brain area identified as crucial in processing persistent discomfort.

The study indicated that while the immediate sensation of pain intensity didn't change during the stimulation, subjects reported a marked reduction in pain levels between 28 and 55 minutes post-procedure. This approach aims to reconfigure how this specific brain region communicates within the broader network responsible for pain perception. The findings emerge amidst a growing need for effective chronic pain management, with a NHS England Health Survey revealing that 26 per cent of adults experience such conditions, affecting millions.

How one zap to the brain could ease chronic pain for millions of sufferers - 1

Exploring Electrical Pathways

The concept of using electrical stimulation for pain relief is not entirely new. Therapies like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and newer methods such as Scrambler therapy employ low-intensity electrical currents applied to the skin. These techniques are considered for individuals with a range of chronic ailments, including arthritis, nerve damage causing persistent tingling or pain, back and neck issues, and discomfort stemming from cancer treatments.

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The University of Exeter's work focuses on direct brain intervention, rather than skin-level application, by targeting a specific neural hub. Researchers, including Dr Sam Hughes, suggest this targeted approach can "alter how pain is perceived and change how this area communicates with other parts of the brain's pain network." This suggests a more fundamental re-modulation of pain signals rather than just masking them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new therapy is being tested for chronic pain in Exeter?
Researchers at the University of Exeter are testing a new brain stimulation technique, sometimes called a 'brain zap,' to help people with long-lasting pain.
Q: How does this new brain zap therapy work?
The therapy targets a specific part of the brain called the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which is involved in feeling pain. It aims to change how this brain area sends signals.
Q: When do patients feel less pain after the therapy?
While patients didn't feel less pain right away, they reported a noticeable drop in their pain levels between 28 and 55 minutes after the treatment finished.
Q: Why is this therapy important for people with chronic pain?
About 26 per cent of adults in the UK suffer from chronic pain, and current treatments don't always work well. This new method could offer a better way to manage long-term pain for many people.
Q: Is this brain zap therapy similar to TENS machines?
No, this therapy is different because it directly stimulates a specific area inside the brain, rather than applying electrical currents to the skin like TENS machines do.