What exactly is neuropathic pain, and why do we feel it? ICORD PI Dr. John Kramerrecently acquired the first laser for pain research in BC, and he and his team are using it to answer some fundamental questions about neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is estimated to affect at least half of people with SCI, and it can originate all over the body, including in areas that no longer have feeling. There are currently two standard tools to test for neuropathic pain: contact heat evoked potentials(CHEPs), and lasers. Although both methods are in widespread use, few studies have compared them side-by-side. Dr. Kramer’s research team is investigating both methods and recording brain activity with EEG during pain perception. “In essence, we’re trying to more accurately map what’s going on in the brain during neuropathic pain,” co-op student Carson Berry explained.
