BNA Christmas Symposium 2019
Bush House, King's College London - Monday 16th December 2019
In collaboration with King's College London
Why pain?
Pain has long been recognized as something of an enigma by scientists and clinicians, being both a measurable physiological process, as well as deeply personal and subjective. Moreover pain can be associated with pleasure, is influenced by cultural expectations, can be manipulated, and can be a weapon of war. It is also costly at both individual and societal levels; it is estimated that 43% of the UK population experience chronic pain2.
In recent decades, scientists have delved further than ever into both the physiology and the experience of pain, and this symposium – with a programme devised by Professor Irene Tracey, the ‘Queen of Pain’ – sets out to explore it all.
The day will start by giving delegates a ‘grand tour’ of pain, from its place in our history and culture, through the molecular neuroscience of nociception, the neural circuitry involved, the clinical challenge of managing pain, and the latest treatments available.
We will go to explore strange pains: phantom limb pain, congenital lack of pain, the placebo effect and the curious relationship of pain with pleasure.
Finally, Professor Irene Tracey will bring together all the components of the symposium in a plenary session and panel discussion.
For full information and programme on the event please click here