Jamie Burgess
Research Associate, University of Liverpool
Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7165-6918
Contact: jamie.burgess@liverpool.ac.uk
Main Research Interests
My research investigates the roles of structural and functional factors in the diagnosis and pain generation of small fibre and polyneuropathies, focusing on the central and peripheral contributions. By understanding the mechanisms behind neuropathic and nociplastic pain, the disease course of cryptogenic pain conditions can be identified, and we can propose testable hypotheses for their detection and treatment. I am particularly interested in the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of corneal confocal microscopy and skin biopsy in identifying small fibre pathology in individuals with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia syndrome, and idiopathic polyneuropathy. Additionally, I am keen to employ advanced histological techniques, such as automated multiplex staining for pathomechanistic targets, and to participate in collaborative projects incorporating a neurohistopathological multi-omics approach.
Current Research Activity
I am currently working on a Medical Research Council (MRC) funded study named Pain Mechanisms in Long-COVID. Our study aims to explore whether small fibre pathology and autoimmunity underly persistent neurological symptoms in people with long COVID, such as pain, fatigue, paraesthesia, and dysautonomia.
Memberships
I hold memberships with the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS), Pain Relief Foundation Scientific Committee and the Neurodiab Discovery Team.
Biography
Jamie completed his undergraduate degree with honours in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire in 2014, alongside fulfilling his registration portfolio requirements with the IBMS at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. Working as a Biomedical Scientist in the histopathology department, he earned his IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology at the Neuropathology department of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Jamie's expertise in nerve, muscle, and brain specimens drove the curiosity to investigate less invasive diagnostic techniques for neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, he started a PhD studentship funded by the Pain Relief Foundation, focusing on the detailed phenotyping of patients with small fibre neuropathy and fibromyalgia syndrome. He used less invasive methodologies such as quantitative sensory testing and corneal confocal microscopy, in comparison with skin biopsy. Jamie's research is expanding into exploring small fibre involvement in conditions like post-COVID syndrome and neuroimmune interactions in chronic pain demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of neuropathology. Jamie is keen to bring about advancements in understanding the drivers of pain generation and maintenance so that improvements can be made to the quality of life of people in chronic pain.