Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Scientists discover brain 'brake' for chronic pain
Scientists have found a way to help people with really bad, long-lasting face pain.
They used tiny electrical zaps in the brain to stop the pain signals.
This worked for two out of three people in their study.
The pain is different from regular pain because it doesn't go away even after the injury is healed.
Doctors hope this new method can help more people in the future.
Scientists identified a brain 'brake' mechanism that can reduce chronic pain.
The study involved three patients with severe, long-lasting facial pain.
Targeted electrical stimulation in specific brain areas eased pain in two participants.
Chronic pain is difficult to treat as it involves changes in the brain and spinal cord.
The findings could open new approaches to treating chronic pain.
- Who
- Researchers and three patients with severe facial pain
- What
- Discovery of a brain 'brake' mechanism to reduce chronic pain
- When
- Study published on July 30
- Where
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- Why
- To find new treatments for chronic pain that persists after injury
- Study Publication Date
- July 30
- Study Journal
- Brain Stimulation
- Number of Participants
- 3
- Success Rate
- 2 out of 3
- Treatment Method
- Targeted electrical stimulation