Genetic contributions to pain: a review of findings in humans.

ABSTRACT: Pain represents the major motivating factor for which individuals seek healthcare, and pain responses are characterized by substantial inter-individual differences. Increasing evidence suggests that genetic factors contribute significantly to individual differences in responses to both clinical and experimental pain. The purpose of this review article was to summarize the current literature regarding genetic contributions to pain, highlighting findings relevant to oral pain where available. A brief discussion of methodologic considerations is followed by a review of findings regarding genetic influences on clinical pain. Next, the literature examining genetic contributions to experimental pain responses is presented, emphasizing genetic associations that have been replicated in multiple co

SUBMITTER: Fillingim RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2667226 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature