Author name: Rebecca V Robertson
Author biography:
Rebecca is completing her PhD in the Faculty of Medicine & Health at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Professor Luke Henderson. Her research is focusing on using imaging and related techniques to understand the mechanisms underlying chronic pain following spinal cord injury. In addition, her research focuses on the potential benefits cannabidiol may provide to relieve this pain.
Author contact details:
Email address: rebecca.robertson@sydney.edu.au
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rvrrobertson
Changing rhythms: Using EEG to understand underlying neuropathic pain mechanisms following a spinal cord injury
The research I presented at APS2023 looked at changes underlying neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury by comparing resting EEG recordings of individuals with neuropathic pain and a spinal cord injury to those without pain and an injury and those with no injury or pain. Unlike previous work, we did not observe key markers of thalamocortical dysrhythmia which have been strongly associated with the maintenance of neuropathic pain. We observed novel reductions in power within the infraslow (<1 Hz) range from 0.04-0.06 Hz, as opposed to previous imaging work which showed an increase within this range.
Thanks to the APS travel grant I was able to cover costs associated with travel and other incidentals which allowed me to concentrate on my work. APS2023 allowed me to have candid discussions regarding the future applications of the work I presented with clinicians as well as discussing the more technical components with other researchers performing similar work. This broadened my understanding of how to approach my data in a functional way that will make its applications more relevant.
Specifically, it was a pleasure meeting Sammy Millard, a PhD candidate in her final year at NeuRA/UNSW. Although we have been affiliated to the same facility (NeuRA), we had not crossed paths until APS2023, where we serendipitously discovered a key similarity in our methodology looking at changes underlying pain as well as our common proclivity to climb big rocks. I hope to one day be able to work with her to build a more complete view of the mechanisms underlying pain in both healthy and chronic pain states.
The presentation by Associate Professor Richelle Mychasiuk on the final day of the conference was the cherry on top, for me personally. She was able to present pre-clinical data in an exciting and applicable manner, giving clear reasoning for why she performed methods, with a reasoned view of the potential future clinical implications of her findings. Numerous presentations at APS2023, including Associate Professor Mychasiuk’s, showed us the importance of being able to communicate our data in a lay manner so as to truly reveal its importance. This is a skill which takes time to develop and being able to see those who have perfected the craft allows me to build this ability for the future.
I am looking forward to presenting more novel findings in a complete manner as well as being newly inspired to attend Darwin next year. This meeting is extremely diverse and exciting as it brings together such a broad range of ideas which can be applied to a variety of stages of my research as well as personal understanding of the clinical and research world. Thank you very much for allowing me to present my work and be part of this exciting community.
Declaration: Rebecca V Robertson has nothing to declare.
Australian Pain Society 