A lateral gaze at pain: the science of attention.

‘gate control’ theory. Stimuli are processed peripherally and their transmission determined by a gate set both in the spinal cord and the subcortical regions. Higher centres then determine motor, and other motivational, responses as well as interpreting psychological aspects. The gate is set according to competing spatially similar and adjacent stimuli as well as the brain’s arousal and attentive states. This fascinating conference enriched this view with a series of bold and original observations and theories. Topics covered symptom science, central nervous system plasticity, cross-cultural studies of pain, and experiences from fields as diverse as cybernetics, economics, ecology and computer science. Drawing on this platform, intriguing therapies such as hypnosis, mirror-boxes and stinging nettles were discussed. This ‘lateral gaze’ at pain was the third in a series of multidisciplinary cross-specialty seminars dealing with various aspects of pain and suffering organised by Professor David Blake. Lessons from phantom limbs