How do different types of pain change the brain?
New research led by Dr Kate Kelly explores how different types of chronic pain effect memory.
“Chronic pain is widely recognised for its physical burden, but it also affects the brain and one’s ability to think clearly,” says Dr Kelly.
While previous studies have largely treated chronic pain as a single category, Dr Kelly’s research suggests that the type of pain matters.
“Different types of chronic pain might affect memory differently. Our study looked at how nociceptive pain (pain from tissue damage), neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage), and nociplastic pain (pain without a clear physical cause) influence memory,” she explains.
The study found that people with nociceptive and nociplastic pain showed significant impairments in both short- and long-term memory, while those with neuropathic pain did not experience the same cognitive challenges.
“This is the first major study to clearly demonstrate that memory problems in chronic pain are not a one-size-fits-all,” says Dr Kelly. “The type of pain someone experiences can shape how their memory is effected.”
This insight could shift the way researchers and clinicians approach chronic pain.
“Healthcare providers need to consider the type of pain, not just the presence of pain, when assessing cognitive symptoms like memory or attention problems,” Dr Kelly says.
“For people with nociceptive or nociplastic pain, for example, these memory difficulties may affect their ability to manage both treatment and daily tasks.”
The findings also point to a broader research need: To move beyond general labels and explore chronic pain through a more nuanced, symptom-based lens.
“Our research supports a more personalised approach to understanding and managing the experience of chronic pain,” Dr Kelly says.
