Study Explains How the Amygdala Regulates Pain

A new study conducted in mice explores the previously unknown role of the central amygdala (region of the brain associated with emotional processes) in upgrading and downgrading pain signals in the brain. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Division of Intramural Research at NCCIH, was published in the journal Cell Reports.

The researchers found that there is a “switch” in the central amygdala that can both turn up or turn down pain signals. The “switch” acts more like a “pain rheostat,” similar to a home thermostat that regulates temperature—the pain rheostat reacts to pain signals to regulate pain sensations.