M.Sc., Ph.D Henna-Kaisa Jyrkkänen works at Kuopio University Hospital as a neurosurgeon and post-doctoral researcher in the Pain Neuromodulation research group. The team led by docent Jukka Huttunen works closely with the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Oulu and the University Hospital of Oulu. 

The goal of the research team is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of neuromodulation therapies for chronic neuropathic pain. Algorithms being developed by using patient, family data and the national registries will help to optimize treatment and to improve the outcome of neuromodulation therapy. In addition, the Pain Neuromodulation group investigates chronic pain and its molecular level mechanisms from spinal fluid and blood.    

Henna-Kaisa’s own research started in 2021 and focuses on the biomarkers of pain. “Biomarkers of pain have not been studied much in the past and the results of my research will serve pain patients in the future,” Henna-Kaisa says. Most of the study samples are collected from Kuopio University Hospital patients, inhabitants from the regions of Eastern Finland and Central Finland. In the future, the research topic will enable multidisciplinary collaboration between basic and clinical research focused on technology and data. “Kuopio University Hospital provides an excellent platform for research due to the high level of neurosurgical expertise and treatment,” says Henna-Kaisa with pride.  

Pain Neuromodulation Research Group: https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/group/pain-neuromodulation-group/