Non-Invasive Microstructural Assessment of Neuroinflammation in Chronic Pain

This project develops non-invasive MRI measures of neuroinflammation to investigate the biological mechanisms of chronic pain. It builds on a diffusion MRI model designed to distinguish microscopic changes associated with glial activation and to relate imaging findings to underlying tissue processes. The linked research programme combines diffusion imaging, PET and clinical or behavioural assessments to study pain and variability in treatment response. Its objectives include testing imaging markers as indicators of pain, evaluating whether baseline markers help predict longer-term response, and developing predictors that combine imaging with psychological and sensory measurements. The work aims to make the study of neuroinflammation more accessible through MRI methods suitable for use in living patients.