Electric stimulation to certain areas of the brain has been used to release mu-opioid, an opiate-like substance that alters pain perception.

Researchers used a radiotracer to measure the release of mu-opioid in patients with chronic, severe facial pain.

By targeting and activating the areas in the brain on which the stimulation works, scientists hope to increase the power of mu-opioid’s pain-killing effects and decrease the use of opiates in chronic pain patients.