Inflammation and the central nervous system in chronic pain

Psychiatry Grand Rounds AY24
November 10, 2023
www.vumc.org/p...
Andrew D. Schrepf, PhD
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center
Michigan Medicine Services
Dr. Schrepf is a neurobiologist who studies the immune/central nervous system interface in chronic pain. He did his doctoral studies at the University of Iowa, where he identified patterns of immunoreactivity associated with central nervous system sensitization in chronic pelvic pain. His postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan Medicine focused on neuroimaging, quantitative sensory testing, and clinical/translational immunology techniques in a variety of conditions including interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular disorder, fibromyalgia, and rheumatologic conditions. His primary research emphases consider the role of the immune system in promoting chronic pain through central nervous system alterations and identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Summary:
Chronic pain involves a wide range of clinical presentations. Recent work suggests that the immune system plays an underappreciated role in promoting chronic pain by altering brain structure and function. Chronic pain patients with evidence of central sensitization may benefit from therapies designed to reduce central neuroinflammation.