Brain network properties in chronic pain-a systematic review and meta-analysis of graph-based connectivity metrics.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Identifying brain topology alterations in chronic pain is a crucial step in understanding its pathophysiology. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess alterations in resting-state functional and structural global network properties in patients with chronic pain.

Methods

Following the preregistration (PROSPERO CRD42024542390), databases were searched for studies comparing connectivity-based whole-brain global network properties between patients with chronic pain and healthy controls. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted for each global network property separately.

Results

A total of 32 functional topology studies and 17 structural topology studi

SUBMITTER: Butry L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12669219 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature