Researchers from Japan have developed a new method for predicting the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation procedures using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Spinal cord stimulation, in which electrodes are placed in the spine to block pain signals, does not always provide patients with the desired relief. Previously, it was difficult to determine whether the procedure would bring the expected results. A new study has shown that the activity of two brain networks - the “passive mode network” and the “significance network” - can serve as an indicator of the success of the therapy. The scientists found that a weak connection between these networks before treatment correlates with a more pronounced analgesic effect. To test their hypothesis, the researchers performed fMRI brain scans on 29 patients with chronic pain. The procedure took only 10 minutes and was performed in a resting state, which is a gentler method than traditional trial stimulation. In the future, the scientists plan to study the effect of different stimulation parameters on brain activity in order to adapt the therapy to individual patient characteristics and increase its effectiveness