Neural correlates of interindividual differences in the subjective experience of pain.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional comparative neuroimaging study
PubMed 12824463 · doi:10.1073/pnas.1430684100
What was done
Psychophysical ratings were used to define pain sensitivity, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity during pain in highly sensitive individuals compared to insensitive individuals.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, exact sample sizes, or effect estimates. Highly sensitive individuals demonstrated more frequent and robust pain-induced activation in the primary somatosensory cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex compared with insensitive individuals.
Why it matters
This study provides objective neuroimaging correlates that validate subjective, self-reported interindividual differences in pain perception.
Limits
The abstract omits sample size, participant demographics, exact stimulation parameters, and statistical values. The comparative imaging design demonstrates correlation rather than causation.
Cited by
- partial In a classical pain study using a standardized skin pressure test rated from 0 to 100, the average score was around 50 with an individual spread ranging from 4 to 96.