Sprenger, T; Tölle, TR; Boecker, H; Bartenstein, P
Abstract:
Studies applying positron emission tomography (PET) have tremendously advanced our understanding of cerebral pain processing as well as pain modulation in the past. This article summarizes key findings on the physiology of cerebral pain processing and the opioid system as well as the pathophysiology of selected clinical pain conditions. We also outline the future potential of PET in pain research.