US News

Docs see pain in your brain

Scientists reported yesterday that they were able to “see” pain on brain scans and, for the first time, measure its intensity and tell whether a drug was relieving it. Although the research is in its early stages, it opens the door to a host of possibilities.

Scans might be used someday to tell when pain is hurting a baby, someone with dementia or a paralyzed person unable to talk. The scans might lead to new, less addictive pain medicines, and even help verify disability claims.