About Us

We are a group of researchers based at the University of California San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Our research focuses on learning about the neural mechanisms behind pain and co-morbid disorders.

Our Research

People who suffer from various psychological conditions often simultaneously experience physical pain, and vice versa. Our research is focused on understanding the nature of the overlap between physical pain and mental health issues. Specifically, we are interested in observing the neurological underpinnings of the relationship that psychological issues have with pain. To this end, we are currently examining and comparing the brains of veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic back pain.

Current Studies:

Imaging Combat Exposure (ICE) Study

The ICE study is interested in finding out more about how combat trauma affects pain sensitivity and brain function.

Pain and PTSD often occur simultaneously and both have significant impacts on one's overall quality of life. Through our research we hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of people's subjective experiences of pain in PTSD as well as of the brain mechanisms behind these overlapping conditions. Such information will help us better understand the interactions between PTSD and pain and hopefully contribute to the development of effective therapeutic interventions.

Eligibility:

• Meet ALL of the following:
  

1. U.S. military veteran
2. 18 to 55 years old
3. Able to undergo MRI scans (no metal parts in body)

• Meet at least ONE of the following:

1. Have symptoms of PTSD for at least 3 months
2. Have symptoms of lower back pain for at least 6 months

Also recruiting healthy controls:

• No symptoms of PTSD or back pain

Getting Started:

Potential candidates will be asked some questions over the phone by a member of our research team to see if you are a potential match for the study. If you are found to be a match, the next step would be to participate in a clinical interview at the San Francisco VA Medical Center

Participation:

Attend Visit 1

• Clinical Assessment
• Pregnancy assessment (for females only)
• Pain threshold testing: a common procedure that measures the minimum temperature at which you consider temperature to be painful. This procedure is not damaging to your skin and does not typically cause extreme discomfort.

Attend Visit 2

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) task

1. We will use an fMRI to take a picture of your brain. During the fMRI, you will be involved in a similar pain task as you will complete in Visit 1 (see above).

Compensation: Study participants will be reimbursed for their time and effort.

For more information and to participate: