Reliable Biomarkers of Descending Pain Inhibition: A Laser‐Evoked Potential and Behavioural Study

This study establishes a reproducible dual-domain framework for assessing descending pain inhibition by integrating behavioural conditioned pain modulation with nociceptive-specific laser-evoked potentials. Using a repeated-trial design, both behavioural and cortical measures showed high responder rates, strong correlations, and good test-retest reliability. The findings advance standardisation of CPM methodology and demonstrate that LEP-based neurophysiological markers can objectively index inhibitory function, supporting the development of reliable, brain-based biomarkers to guide mechanism-driven pain assessment and personalised neuromodulation therapies.