Burning mouth syndrome phenotyping and genotyping, using genetics, psychometrics and imaging as potential biomarkers of ongoing pain in man
1st Supervisor: Professor Tara Renton
2nd Supervisor: Dr Matt Howard
Description of project
Chronic orofacial pain involving the trigeminal system is poorly understood. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition, typically affecting females. The prevalence of BMS within the general population varies from 0.7% to 15% (Zakrewska and Hamlyn, 1999). This study aims to investigate the complex network of peripheral, central and psychometric aspects involved in BMS. Alterations in peripheral pain receptor expression in BMS will be assessed and the upstream effects of these changes within the central nervous system will be analysed using continuous arterial spin labelling (cASL). The central representation of BMS may well be influenced by the psychological aspects of the condition, as with many chronic pain states. Identifying potential genetic causative factors and inter-relationships between clinical presentation, psychometrics, imaging and genetics will help to unravel the mystery of BMS. This study will lead to further understanding of other chronic orofacial pain conditions involving the trigeminal system and may ultimately help towards delivering more specific drug treatment.
Duration of project: 3 year PhD
Contact for further information
Professor Tara Renton
Email: tara.renton@kcl.ac.uk
Research Topic: Oro-facial Pain
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