VR-PAT and fNIRS to Identify CNS Biomarkers of Pain

This study aims to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to identify and quantify pain biomarkers during burn dressing changes and pain relief induced by virtual reality (VR).

The objective of this study is to develop central nervous system (CNS) biomarkers of pain experience during inpatient pediatric (age 6-17 years) burn dressing changes and pain relief induced by virtual reality (VR). We plan to use innovative functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to identify and quantify the targeted CNS biomarkers. The ultimate goal of this project is to optimize the CNS biomarkers for predicting and/or monitoring response to VR-based pain reduction approaches for pain management in clinical trials. We will collaborate through a team science model to recruit n=4 pediatric burn injury subjects to address the following three specific aims: Aim 1: To quantify the central nervous system (CNS) responses associated with self-reported pain intensity during a standard clinical procedure (burn dressing changes). Aim 2: To assess brain response patterns to virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for pain management. Aim 3: To assess the degree to which objective brain measures and brain responses to VR intervention modulate objective brain markers of pain.