Accession Number:

ADA561913

Title:

Development and Validation of an fMRI Pain Metric for MS

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept. 1 Sep 2010-31 Aug 2011

Corporate Author:

DARTMOUTH COLL HANOVER NH

Personal Author(s):

• Wishart, Heather

Report Date:

2011-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

Background and Significance. Pain is common in multiple sclerosis MS but is currently under-recognized and under-treated due in part to the absence of adequate metrics. The specific aims of this study are 1 To create an fMRI pain metric designed specifically for individuals with MS that uses the minimum level of somatosensory stimulation necessary to elicit increased activation of thalamus, cingulate, insula, and sensorimotor cortex augmented central pain processing in MS patients compared to controls, and 2 To determine the relationship between augmented central pain processing, as measured using fMRI, to self- and clinician-administered pain measures and to thalamic volume loss in the patient group. Participants will include patients with relapsing-remitting MS, diagnosed according to standard criteria at our MS Center, and demographically matched healthy controls. To date, we have developed, implemented, and tested the fMRI stimulation paradigm for this metric, and have started screening and scanning participants. We were granted an Extension Without Funds of one year to complete the research. Results will be available when we have accrued the complete participant sample in Months 10-12 of the extension period.

Descriptors:

• *MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
• *PAIN
• AUGMENTATION
• CENTRAL PROCESSING UNITS
• PATIENTS
• SCANNING
• STIMULATION(PHYSIOLOGY)

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE