Neuropsychology of Pain

Neuropsychology of pain explores how the brain and nervous system perceive, process, and interpret pain signals. Pain isn’t just physical; it involves emotional and cognitive aspects influenced by past experiences, attention, and mental states. Brain areas like the cortex, limbic system, and thalamus work together to gauge pain intensity and emotional response. Factors such as stress, mood, and beliefs can modulate pain perception, making pain a complex, biopsychosocial experience. Understanding this helps in developing treatments that address not only the physical sensation but also the psychological factors affecting pain.