Table 1:
Brain Networks involved in Chronic Pain
| Brain Network | Regions | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Default Mode Network (DMN) | mPFC, PCC, IFC, LTC, | Responsible for emotional processing, self-referential mental activity and recollection of prior experiences. |
| Sensorimotor Network (SMN) | Basal ganglia, thalamus, pINS, S1, S2, M1, M2 | Receives input from the periphery and is important for the awareness of bodily sensations and generation of appropriate motor responses. |
| Salience Network (SN) | mPFC, OFC, aINS, aMCC, amygdala | Responds to subjective stimuli or expectation of a stimulus and coordinates appropriate behavioral, affective and bodily responses and works to maintain homeostasis |
| Emotional Regulation Network (ERN) | Amygdala, locus coeruleus, hippocampus, sgACC, pgACC, mPFC, vlPFC | Activated by real or perceived disturbance of homeostasis, links stimulus appraisal and autonomic output |
| Central Executive Network (CEN) | dlPFC, PPC | Working memory, attentional processes, planning, response selection |
| Central-Autonomic Network (CAN) | Brainstem, amygdala, hypothalamus, sgACC, aINS, aMCC, mPFC, OFC | Central control and modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) |
Key:
Default Mode Network: mPFC; medial prefrontal cortex, PCC; posterior parietal cortex, IFC; inferior parietal cortex, LTC; lateral temporal cortex
Sensorimotor Network: pINS; posterior insula, S1; primary somatosensory cortex, S2; secondary somatosensory cortex, M1; primary motor cortex, M2; secondary motor cortex
Salience Network: mPFC; medial prefrontal cortex, OFC; orbitofrontal cortex, aINS; anterior insula, aMCC; anterior mid-cingulate cortex
Emotion Regulation Network: sgACC; subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, pgACC; pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, mPFC; medial prefrontal cortex, vlPFC; ventrolateral prefrontal cortex,
Central Executive Network: dlPFC; dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, PCC; posterior parietal cortex
Central-Autonomic Network: sgACC; subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, aINS; anterior insula, aMCC; anterior mid-cingulate cortex, mPFC; medial prefrontal cortex, OFC; orbitofrontal cortex