Skip to content

BRAIN Study

Pain | Brain | Teenager

The purpose of this study is to try and understand how the adolescent brain responds to pain. The first part of the study involves teens filling out an online questionnaire, which asks about pain, sleep and mental health. They will receive a $10 gift card for answering this questionnaire.

One week later, we will have the teen come to the Alberta Children's Hospital. Using a device that applies thermal heat, we will establish their threshold for low, medium and high heat on their forearm. We will then apply 3 creams to their forearm: 1) one will enhance sensitivity to pain; 2) one will have no effect on pain; and 3) one will decrease sensitivity to pain. We will test their responses to the creams both outside and inside the MRI. Transportation to and parking at the hospital will be reimbursed via gift card. Teens will receive an additional $20 gift card and pictures of their brain to thank them for participating in this study.

null

Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Male, Female, Intersex

  • Eligible Ages:

    14 to 18

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion criteria include:
1) Healthy adolescents aged 14-18 years
2) Ability to read and speak English
3) No neurodevelopmental disorders
4) No neuropsychiatric disorders
5) No neuropsychotropic medication
6) No chronic medical conditions
Exclusion Criteria:
Potential participants with any of the following will be excluded:
1) History of chronic pain
2) Significant head trauma
3) Diagnosed neurological, developmental, or psychiatric disorder
4) Alcohol or substance use problem
5) Major chronic medical disease
6) Pregnancy
7) Contraindications to MRI (e.g., braces, claustrophobia).

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: REB22-1633