Human functional brain imaging

Abstract

Human brain imaging studies have identified multiple brain regions activated during the experience of pain. Do these complex activation patterns lead to confusion and an “explanatory gap” between classical neurophysiology, psychology, and brain imaging? We propose the contrary, that human functional brain imaging studies can provide a bridge between neurophysiological research and the psychological concept of “pain.” Modern brain imaging techniques allow analysis of the relationship between brain activation patterns and various psychological percepts. However, an essential element in interpreting functional brain imaging observations is a robust psychophysical paradigm that permits the selective manipulation and measurement of individual perceptual features of pain. Functional brain imaging provides a new tool to facilitate our understanding of the complex cognitive, emotional, and sensory experience of pain. Nevertheless, this tool will add little to our knowledge if it is not used wisely.