An fMRI is a Device that can Assist in Filing Medical Claims

A New Breakthrough for Understanding Physical and Emotional Pain

The brain’s activity rapidly changes throughout cognitive and physical activity. From taking a brisk walk, to reading an article or playing your favorite sport, the brain is constantly in flux. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive technique that is used to measure the blood flow to functioning areas of the brain. The fMRI is a recent technique that is still being tested in studies throughout the medical field. Recent reports from researchers of the fMRI have revealed a new understanding of emotional pain versus physical pain. This understanding can help not only doctors in treating injury victims, but also personal injury attorneys in successfully building cases for them.

Normally, it is difficult to objectively prove on a scale the pain that a person is in, except for by what the person says on a number of 1-10. Physicians and their medical staff rely heavily on the self-evaluations of pain by a patient when giving treatment. Along with this physical pain, there are numerous patients that additionally suffer from severe emotional pain. There may be a new potential source to prove both of these forms of pain.

A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that there is potential for the fMRI to objectively detect physical and emotional pain. The article stated, “Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) holds promise for identifying objective measures of pain…” This new technique can be valuable to the future of the medical field.

The study also made a first step in proving that there is not a difference in the pain a person feels when hurt physically versus emotionally. However, future studies still need to be completed to prove the techniques clinical value.

Many victims of personal injury experience severe “pain and suffering.” Pain and suffering can be one of the most difficult measures to prove; however, with this new breakthrough, the fMRI might be the first step in helping victims to prove their pain and suffering through an objective source. This development is invaluable to a personal injury lawyer for this reason.

If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury that caused severe pain and suffering, call a personal injury attorney today. Malman Law is available 24/7 for a free consultation and legal advice.