HIPPOCAMPAL functional connectivity may be an early indicator of chronic pain development in patients following whiplash and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) according to the results of a new study. This research highlights the role of the brain’s hippocampus in transitioning from acute to chronic pain, offering new insights for healthcare professionals managing these cases.
Researchers imaged 110 patients shortly after sustaining whiplash and mTBIs to examine if functional changes in the hippocampus could predict the risk of chronic pain 1 year later. Their findings indicated that patients who developed chronic pain exhibited increased connectivity between the hippocampus and its posterior network. Notably, this heightened connectivity also included linkages to the amygdala, an area associated with anxiety and emotional processing.
According to the researchers, this altered hippocampal connectivity was more pronounced in patients scanned further out from their initial injury, suggesting that these changes may unfold progressively. The study suggests that as hippocampal connectivity reorganizes post-injury, the brain may develop maladaptive learning patterns tied to negative emotions, fostering a pathway to chronic pain. These findings bring a novel focus to how early-stage brain responses can evolve and potentially complicate recovery.
Healthcare professionals may benefit from this research by understanding the potential role of brain imaging in early whiplash or mTBI cases. Identifying patients at risk of chronic pain could allow for tailored early interventions, potentially mitigating long-term effects.
Reference: Branco P et al. Hippocampal functional connectivity after whiplash injury is linked to the development of chronic pain. Nat Mental Health. 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
