Neural and behavioral changes driven by observationally-induced hypoalgesia.

ABSTRACT: Observing successful pain treatment in others can induce anticipatory neural processes that, in turn, relieve pain. Previous studies have suggested that social learning and observation influence placebo hypoalgesia. Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to determine the neurophysiological changes associated with pain relief acquired through the observation. Thirty-one participants observed a demonstrator undergo painful heat stimulations paired with a "control" cream and non-painful ones paired with a "treatment" cream, which actually were both Vanicreams. After their observation, the participants then received the same creams and stimulations. We found that the treatment cream led to lower self-reported pain intensity ratings than the control cream. Anticipatory treatment cues elicit

SUBMITTER: Raghuraman N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6930247 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature