Phenotyping & Assessment in Neuroscience Laboratory

Welcome to the PAIN Lab. In our lab, we use multiple interdisciplinary and translational research approaches to examine the nervous system factors contributing to the observed inter-individual variability in pain phenotypes in older adults, and pain’s functional consequences including cognitive and mobility impairments.

OUr Research

research focus

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain represents the most prevalent and expensive public health condition in the United States, affecting 100 million people in the United States with annual costs to society estimated at $635 billion dollars. This exceeds the combined costs of cancer, AIDS and heart disease. Importantly, while chronic pain affects individuals of all ages, races, and genders, it disproportionately impacts members of some population groups.

Evidence suggests that chronic pain is more prevalent and disabling in older adults, but its neurobiological underpinnings have not been elucidated.

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Video By Juan Wiswell

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UPBEAT

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the brain and aging as it relates to mobility.

UPBEAT

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ReJOIN

This study aims to understand how specific types and patterns of sensory neuron networks in joints change with disease and aging. Our team works together to map the network of sensory nerves that connect to two joints: the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the knee, and identify its relation to pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty or TMJ surgery.

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Upcoming Study

More information coming soon!


Laboratory news & Media

Cruz-Almeida Laboratory

Media Appearances

Research by Dr. Cruz-Almeida and the PAIN laboratory has been featured throughout the country.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel wrote about how Dr. Cruz-Almeida's research shows that chronic pain, left untreated, can cause the brain to show signs of aging.

principal investigatoR

Associate PROFESSOR AND Director of Training

Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, Ph.D., MSPH

As a clinical neuroscientist, my research interests are related to understanding age-related pain perception and modulation in humans. Using multiple interdisciplinary and translational approaches, my research examines nervous system factors contributing to the observed inter-individual differences in pain phenotypes and its functional consequences including cognitive and mobility impairments.

Dr. Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
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PHENOTYPING and ASSESSMENT IN NEUROSCIENCE

PAIN Lab

Work in our lab is generously supported by the University of Florida, the National Institutes of Health, and the McKnight Research Foundation.