Direct nerve measurement of mind body interaction

Mental and physical health depends on the way the brain and body intercommunicate, often unconsciously via the autonomic nervous system and interoceptive nerves. The dysautonomia describes when this goes wrong. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a form of dysautonomia, a condition characterised by impaired function of the autonomic nervous system. It is associated with symptoms such as dizziness, especially when standing. Many individuals with PoTS also have fibromyalgia, which is a chronic widespread pain condition that causes significant disability and poor quality of life. Understanding the link between dysautonomia and pain is clinically important for the better management of symptoms. Excess bodily arousal from altered sympathetic nerve activity can increase interoceptive (body-to-brain) inputs, which may influence the pain experience and intensify pain. The modulation of pain by sympathetic nerve activity has not been examined in PoTS. Therefore, this PhD project will use a specialised technique called microneurography, which enables neuronal recordings direct from sympathetic nerves. The project examine the mechanisms of interaction between pain processing and autonomic dysregulation that may account for chronic widespread pain in individuals with PoTS. With support from the Autonomic Charitable Trust and input from expert collaborators, we will train the student in the skills necessary to perform microneurography, which will include training at Monash University, Australia.

The PhD will:

1) provide mechanistic insight into autonomic modulation of pain in PoTS and fibromyalgia.

2) determine whether peripheral autonomic modulation can be used to manage painful symptoms in individuals with PoTS.

Entry requirements: This studentship is suitable for those with background in neuroscience, physiology or another relevant subject area. We invite applications from students who have received or are on target to achieve a relevant undergraduate degree with minimum 2:1 classification (or equivalent). Previous experience in experimental research studies, ideally in humans, are desirable but not essential. 

How to apply: Applicants must apply through the University of Brighton application portal (StudentView (brighton.ac.uk) where they can submit a CV and complete the application form. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 July 2024 . Interviews will be held in August 2024. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be submitted to Dr Yoko Nagai y.nagai@bsms.ac.uk , Professor Hugo Critchley h.critchley@bsms.ac.uk or Professor Andrew Dilley a.dilley@bsms.ac.uk.