Low-intensity focused ultrasound directed at an area of the brain called the insula reduces the intensity of pain perception. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the Biomedical Research Institute of Virginia Tech Carilion State Medical School in the USA. Research results published In Pain magazine.
23 healthy people participated in the study. A hot object was applied to the back of his hands to cause pain. During the experiment, they wore devices on their heads that transmitted focused ultrasound waves to a specific area of their brains called the insula. The insular cortex is thought to be responsible for the formation of consciousness. It also plays a role in the formation of emotions.
Participants rated their perception of pain on a scale of 0 to 9 each time a hot object was applied. At the same time, the researchers monitored each participant’s heart rate and heart rate variability (irregularity in the amount of time between heartbeats) to determine how ultrasound aimed at the brain affected the body’s response to a painful stimulus.
On average, volunteers reported a three-quarters point reduction in pain intensity. The researchers noted that this difference may seem small, but it is important for people who experience chronic pain for a variety of reasons and manage it with over-the-counter medications.
The study also showed that the use of ultrasound improved physiological responses to pain-induced stress. While wearing the devices, participants’ heart rates and heart rate variability increased less dramatically.
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