Last updated: Sat, Mar 22, 2025
Major research results that have come from brain imaging include identification of the pain network (The Brain's Architecture and its Role in Pain) and the finding that chronic pain is consistently accompanied by reductions in gray matter in particular areas of the brain (see Structural Alterations in the Pain Matrix Under Chronic Pain). Brain imaging has played an important role in establishing FMS as a legitimate pain syndrome within the medical community. PET studies have shown low blood flows in certain parts of the pain network in FMS patients, and fMRI studies have shown reduced effectiveness of descending pain modulation in these patients.
Although brain imaging has become a very important research tool, it isn't part of the routine diagnostic or treatment processes for any pain conditions at this time. Although imaging can identify which brain areas are active during pain, it can't tell how much the subject hurts. That's still a hope for the future.