P034 The neuro-art lab: the art and science of chronic pain

<h3>Background and Aims</h3> BEYOND PAIN – A RAY OF HOPE Introduction: Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 globally, impacting physically &amp; emotionally. With Multimodal therapy, psychological support, and resilience, recovery is possible. Pain Mechanism: Central sensitization, causes brain to perceive pain without injury. Neuroplasticity sustains pain, but also enabling recovery through therapeutic rewiring. Clinical Insight: Biopsychological care, and mindset shift impact recovery. HOLD ON: FIGHTING DEPRESSION IN CHRONIC PAIN Introduction: Depression and chronic pain often coexist, worsening each other and reducing functional outcomes &amp; quality of life. Neurobiology: Shared neurocircuitry &amp; neurotransmitter dysregulation amplifies pain through negative emotions &amp; inactivity.. Clinical Insight: Integrated treatment with antidepressants, CBT, and mindfulness ease both pain and mood <h3>Methods</h3> SCORCHED: THE BURNING AGONY OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia causes brief but excruciating facial pain, described as electric shocks significantly impacting daily activities. Pain Mechanism: Vascular compression leading to demyelination and hyperexcitability. Causing sharp pain along V1, V2, and V3 branches. Clinical Insight: Carbamazepine is first-line. Severe cases may need decompression, ablation, gamma knife surgery <h3>Results</h3> Medium: Caran D’Ache Luminance White colour pencil and Faber castell polychromos 60 colour pencils on A4 size Strathmore vellum artgain 400 series coal black sheets Artistic reflection: Image captures the duality of living with chronic pain. A woman shrouded and with thorns below- symbolizes entrapment &amp; emotional burden. Yet above, she re-emerges – wings open, in sunlight and butterflies—symbolizing resilience &amp; renewal Pain Science Correlation: The dark, thorny half represents central sensitization, persistent pain from a sensitized nervous system. The bright transformation reflects neuroplastic healing, wherein therapy help rewire the brain. Butterflies mark new, adaptive neural pathways <h3>Conclusions</h3> Art is the bridge to the unseen struggles of chronic pain with the science behind it. Through my poster I want to present not just their suffering—but the strength, transformation, and hope that emerge beyond it.