Pain often resolves naturally, but for some individuals it progresses into persistent and disabling chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the leading reasons adults in the United States seek medical care, and worldwide, about one in five people live with chronic, treatment resistant pain. Although certain features of pain have been linked to specific brain processes, much about the neurobiology of chronic pain remains poorly understood.

The Human Brain Function Laboratory was established in August 2018 with support from the Brain Institute and the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia. This collaborative program brings together pain scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to advance understanding of pain mechanisms and to develop innovative treatments for patients suffering from intractable chronic pain.