Medical Reviewer
Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD
Brain, Mind & Pain — CNS substrate, scale-based endpoints, neuroimaging, rehab outcomes.
Dr. Ji-eun Park is a freelance medical writer and licensed physician based in Seoul, South Korea, with over 7+ years of experience specializing in Brain, Mind & Pain. She earned her MD from Seoul National University College of Medicine and completed additional certification in Digital Health at KAIST, along with training in neuroclinical assessment and pain research methodologies.
Ji-eun focuses on neurology, psychiatry, anesthesiology, pain medicine, and rehabilitation research, with expertise in scale-based clinical endpoints, neuroimaging interpretation support, and functional recovery outcomes. She has contributed to clinical programs involving CNS disorders, chronic pain conditions, and rehabilitation-focused intervention studies.
She began her career as a practicing physician in a tertiary hospital before transitioning into medical communications, where she supported neuroscience-focused clinical programs and digital therapeutics initiatives. She brings strong clinical insight and an ability to translate complex neurobehavioral data into accessible scientific narratives.
Articles in this group — last 14 days
Systematic review of post-stroke delirium prediction models finds moderate discriminative ability
New Tools Help Spot Confusion After a Stroke
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized 12 studies constructing 21 risk prediction models for post-stroke delirium. The combine…
Doctors can now spot dangerous confusion after a stroke more accurately using new prediction tools that look at age and heart health.
FDA Approves Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
FDA approves first drug for hallucinations in Parkinson's disease
FDA approved Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. In a 6-week trial, Nupl…
The FDA approved Nuplazid (pimavanserin) to treat hallucinations and delusions in people with Parkinson's disease psychosis. It is the first…
FDA Approves Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
FDA approves first drug for hallucinations in Parkinson's disease
The FDA approved Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Approval was based …
The FDA approved Nuplazid (pimavanserin) to treat hallucinations and delusions in people with Parkinson's disease psychosis. It is the first…
Diffusion tensor imaging shows lower fractional anisotropy in bipolar disorder white matter tracts
Bipolar Brain Wiring Shows Clear Damage in Key Emotional Pathways
This systematic review and meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging studies compared 5,372 individuals with bipolar disorder to 6,240 healt…
Brain scans reveal consistent white matter damage in bipolar disorder, especially in tracts that regulate emotion and connect brain hemisphe…
Scoping review of Montmorency tart cherry consumption on muscle soreness and recovery
Tart cherries may help your muscles recover after hard workouts
This scoping review analyzed 28 clinical trials regarding the effects of Montmorenly tart cherry consumption on healthy adults.
Tart cherries may help your muscles recover strength after exercise, but results vary across studies.
Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dopaminergic Measures in Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid addiction changes brain chemistry in lasting ways
This publication outlines a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating dopaminergic measures in adults with opioid use…
People with opioid addiction have clear changes in brain chemistry that may explain why cravings persist, even after stopping use, and could…
Systematic review identifies ferroptosis as a key mechanism in acquired sensorineural hearing loss
New way to stop cell death may protect hearing
This systematic review examines the role of ferroptosis in various forms of sensorineural hearing loss, including noise-induced and age-rela…
Scientists found that stopping a specific type of cell death could help prevent hearing loss caused by noise, age, or certain drugs.
Digital single session reappraisal intervention affects social media interpretation bias in college students
Digital session helps change how social media is interpreted
In this randomized controlled trial of 162 college students, the PRISM digital intervention led to greater reductions in negative interpreta…
A single digital session may help college students reduce negative ways they interpret social media posts and increase positive ones.
Total hip arthroplasty with rehabilitation improves WOMAC and HHS scores versus conservative exercise in hip osteoarthritis
Hip replacement beats exercise for severe hip arthritis
This single-centre randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 patients with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2 …
A new trial finds hip replacement plus rehab dramatically outperforms exercise alone for moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis.
Systematic review finds shockwave therapy offers no consistent benefit for Achilles tendinopathy compared to controls
Shockwave Therapy Fails for Achilles Pain Relief
This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluates shockwave therapy (SWT) for insertional and midportion Achilles tendinopathy in adults.
A major review finds shockwave therapy doesn't meaningfully ease pain or improve movement for people with stubborn Achilles tendon pain, rai…
Methylphenidate ER Improves Functional Capacity in Stable Schizophrenia
Methylphenidate extended-release improved daily function in stable schizophrenia patients
This randomized open-label trial in 24 stable adults with schizophrenia found that 4 weeks of methylphenidate ER improved functional capacit…
A new trial found that methylphenidate extended-release helped adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder improve daily function and reduce…
Preoperative Pain Education Reduces Postoperative Pain and Postpartum Depression After Cesarean
Pre-op pain education cuts pain and depression after C-section
This randomized trial of 160 women scheduled for elective cesarean section found that adding preoperative pain education to routine guidance…
Talking about pain before surgery helps new moms feel less pain and less depression after a C-section.
Adjunctive JNJ-42165279 fails to improve depression in SSRI/SNRI inadequate responders
Early trial finds new drug did not help depression in patients already on antidepressants
This phase 2a double-blind RCT tested adjunctive JNJ-42165279 25 mg daily versus placebo in 153 adults with major depressive disorder with a…
A small early study found a new drug did not improve depression symptoms for patients already taking standard antidepressants.
Auricular Acupressure With Music Therapy Reduces Labor Pain and Postpartum Depression
Ear pressure and music may ease labor pain and lower postpartum depression risk
This randomized controlled trial in 146 parturients found that auricular acupressure combined with five-element music therapy reduced labor …
A trial of 146 women found ear acupressure plus music therapy reduced labor pain scores and postpartum depression rates compared to routine …
Semaglutide improves physical quality of life in schizophrenia with prediabetes
Semaglutide improves physical quality of life in adults with schizophrenia and obesity
This secondary analysis of a randomized trial in 154 adults with schizophrenia, prediabetes, and overweight or obesity found that once-weekl…
A secondary analysis of a trial found that once-weekly semaglutide improved physical quality of life in adults with schizophrenia and obesit…
Review of active therapeutic interventions in 255 people with multiple sclerosis undergoing inpatient rehabilitation
Rehab goals reached by most people with multiple sclerosis during active therapy
This multicentre single-arm pragmatic clinical trial review examines active therapeutic interventions for people with multiple sclerosis in …
Over 88% of people with multiple sclerosis achieved their therapy goals during active rehabilitation, showing significant mobility improveme…
Frexalimab study validates PROMIS-Fatigue-MS-8a and MSIS-29v2 in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients
New tools reliably measure fatigue in multiple sclerosis
This Phase 2 trial assessed psychometric validation of PROMIS-Fatigue-MS-8a and MSIS-29v2 in adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Two questionnaires accurately track fatigue in relapsing MS, offering a new way to measure treatment benefits in trials.
Personalized rTMS showed larger upper extremity improvement than standard rTMS in a small stroke trial
Personalized brain stimulation helps stroke survivors move their arms better than standard care
This randomized, triple-blind, single-center trial enrolled 20 people with stroke aged 18 to 80 years presenting upper extremity motor impai…
A new trial shows personalized brain stimulation helps stroke survivors move their arms better than standard care in people aged 18 to 80.
Six weeks of reactive balance training feasibility in community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke
Six weeks of reactive balance training shows promise for stroke recovery
This pilot feasibility study randomized 28 community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke to six weeks of reactive balance training or tradit…
A pilot study suggests reactive balance training may improve stability in community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke without increasing a…
Adding self-care complementary therapies to practitioner care showed no difference in pain function for Veterans
Adding self-care therapies helps veterans with chronic pain
This pragmatic nonrandomized trial examined Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain receiving practitioner-delivered complementary and in…
Veterans with chronic pain who added yoga, meditation, or Tai Chi to standard care reported better well-being, but pain interference didn't …
Cluster resistance training yields better affective responses than traditional protocols in young adults
Cluster Sets Boost Enjoyment and Lower Perceived Effort
This randomized crossover study compared cluster and traditional resistance training protocols in resistance-trained young adults.
Cluster-style resistance training keeps mood stable and feels easier than traditional sets, a small study finds.
Cluster set resistance exercise preserves barbell velocity better than traditional sets in strength-trained individuals
Cluster sets may preserve barbell velocity better than traditional sets in strength-trained people
This randomized crossover trial involved six strength-trained individuals comparing cluster set versus traditional set resistance exercise.
A small trial found cluster sets preserved barbell velocity better than traditional sets in strength-trained individuals.
Blood flow restriction vs traditional resistance exercise: effects on heart rate variability
Traditional lifting may stress the heart more than blood flow restriction training
This randomized crossover trial in 39 trained adults compared blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise with traditional resistance e…
A study of 39 adults found traditional resistance exercise caused greater drops in heart rate variability than blood flow restriction traini…
Home-Based Core Stability Telerehabilitation Shows Feasibility for Hereditary Ataxia
Home-based exercises may help people with hereditary ataxia improve walking and balance confidence
This single-blind pilot RCT tested a home-based core stability exercise telerehabilitation program in 12 individuals with hereditary ataxia.
A small pilot study found that home-based stability exercises improved walking and balance confidence for people with hereditary ataxia, tho…
Unsupervised remote brain endurance training plus exercise improved muscular endurance performance more than standard exercise in 22 recreational athletes
Adding brain work to home workouts boosts strength gains for athletes
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 22 recreational athletes.
Adding mental challenges to your home workout routine could help you lift heavier weights and feel less tired during exercise
Blood flow restriction during heat acclimation reduces force loss in trained adults
Blood flow restriction boosts heat acclimation benefits
This RCT in 20 trained adults compared heat acclimation with blood flow restriction (BFR) to standard heat acclimation.
Adding blood flow restriction to heat training improved cognition and reduced fatigue more than heat training alone.
Umbrella review shows strong evidence for Tai Chi and aerobic exercise benefits in cardiometabolic risk factors
Tai Chi lowers blood pressure and waist size in adults with heart risks
This umbrella review synthesizes 16 meta-analysis publications regarding aerobic exercise, Tai Chi, HIIT, resistance training, Yoga, and Qig…
Tai Chi training helps lower blood pressure and waist size in adults with heart risks, while other exercise types show uncertain benefits.
Meta-analysis finds home-based exercise improves VO2 peak in CVD and healthy adults
Home Exercise Boosts Heart Health in People With and Without Cardiovascular Disease
This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed unsupervised home-based exercise programmes in healthy sedentary individuals and patients…
A meta-analysis shows unsupervised home exercise improves peak oxygen uptake in both healthy people and those with cardiovascular disease.
Systematic review and meta-analysis links prior flap reconstruction and injury level to pressure injury recurrence in SCI patients
Prior flap surgery raises complication risk for spinal cord injury patients
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated risk factors for acute postoperative complications and pressure injury recurrence in 1976…
Past flap reconstruction surgery significantly increases the risk of complications and pressure injury recurrence for spinal cord injury pat…
Low-frequency TENS with vocal exercises may improve vocal quality in women with vocal nodules
Preliminary trial shows low-frequency TENS may help women with vocal nodules
This preliminary randomized clinical trial involved 12 women with vocal nodules.
A small preliminary trial suggests low-frequency TENS used with vocal exercises might improve voice quality in women with vocal nodules.
Single photobiomodulation session fails to reduce perineal trauma pain in postpartum women
One red light treatment did not reduce pain for new moms with perineal trauma
This double-blind randomized trial compared a single application of red and infrared light to sham treatment in 60 postpartum women with per…
A single red light application did not lower pain scores or speed healing for 60 new mothers compared to a fake treatment.
Adding dexmedetomidine to dexamethasone does not prolong analgesia in upper limb surgery
Combining two drugs offered no pain relief advantage over one drug alone
This randomized, triple-blind trial in 100 patients undergoing upper limb surgery found that adding i.v.
A trial of 100 patients found that adding dexmedetomidine to dexamethasone did not extend pain relief or reduce opioid use after upper limb …
Reflexology hand massage reduces pain and anxiety after coronary angiography
Reflexology massage eased pain and anxiety more than classical massage in patients after heart procedures
This randomized controlled trial in 70 patients after coronary angiography found that reflexology hand massage significantly reduced pain an…
Patients who received reflexology massage felt less pain and anxiety than those who got a classical massage after heart procedures.
Eye-transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation reduced myopia incidence in children aged 6 to 12 years compared with sham stimulation
New device slows nearsightedness in kids without surgery or drops
This multicenter randomized clinical trial enrolled 680 children aged 6 to 12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction between…
A new mask that uses gentle electricity can slow nearsightedness in kids and reduce the need for strong glasses
Intranasal naloxone reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression in opioid-naive and daily users within 2 to 17 minutes
Narcan nasal spray reverses opioid breathing depression quickly
This prospective crossover trial enrolled 12 opioid-naive individuals and 18 daily opioid users.
Narcan nasal spray restored breathing within minutes in opioid users, but some had delayed or incomplete recovery.
High- and low-intensity acupuncture improved pain in chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis versus waitlist control
Acupuncture may help chronic heel pain more than waiting
This randomized trial enrolled 120 patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
A trial found acupuncture helped more patients with chronic heel pain than a waitlist control, with high-intensity treatment showing the str…
Nurse-led rehabilitation reduced pain and improved wound healing in noncomplex burn injuries compared to routine care
Nurse-Led Care Plan Cuts Burn Pain In Half And Speeds Healing
This quasi-experimental study evaluated a nurse-led rehabilitation program involving pain management, wound care protocols, and functional m…
A new nursing plan for burn patients cuts pain in half and speeds up healing, offering real hope for a quicker recovery.
Meta-analysis shows methadone exposure linked to higher NAS incidence and treatment needs versus buprenorphine in pregnant women
Buprenorphine-based therapies reduce neonatal abstinence syndrome risk compared to methadone in pregnant women
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated buprenorphine-based therapies and methadone in pregnant opioid-dependent women.
A large review of 5,524 pregnant women found babies exposed to buprenorphine had lower rates of withdrawal symptoms and needed less medicati…
Meta-analysis of VR for pain in pediatric ED patients shows mixed results
Virtual Reality May Ease Pain in Children at the Emergency Department
This meta-analysis evaluated virtual reality technology in pediatric emergency department patients.
A meta-analysis of 629 pediatric patients found virtual reality technology significantly lowered pain scores compared to standard care in em…
Systematic review finds no convincing evidence linking neuraxial labour analgesia to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring
Epidurals during birth do not cause autism or ADHD in children
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated nineteen observational studies regarding neuraxial labour analgesia and neurodevelopmenta…
A review of nineteen studies finds no convincing evidence that epidurals cause autism or ADHD in children born to mothers who used them.
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows nonsignificant pain reduction with XR in children
Virtual Reality Does Not Significantly Reduce Acute Pain in Children
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated extended reality interventions for acute and postoperative pain in children aged 18 years…
A review of nine studies found that virtual reality did not significantly lower children's acute pain compared to standard care.
Neck muscle vibration improves neglect symptoms in right-hemispheric stroke patients
Vibrating neck muscles help stroke patients ignore the empty side of their vision
This randomized clinical trial enrolled 20 patients with right-hemispheric stroke and unilateral spatial neglect.
A small trial found that vibrating neck muscles helped stroke patients improve their ability to see on the side they missed.
Text-message CBT treatment reduced generalized anxiety disorder symptoms in young adults compared to wait-list control
Text Message Therapy Reduces Anxiety Symptoms in Young Adults
This randomized clinical trial enrolled 103 young adults with generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder.
A text message treatment for depression also significantly lowered anxiety symptoms in young adults compared to waiting for care.
Cariprazine showed modest weight reduction versus aripiprazole in schizophrenia patients previously treated with olanzapine
Cariprazine shows modest weight benefit over aripiprazole in schizophrenia patients
This trial compared cariprazine to aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia who had previously used olanzapine.
A trial found cariprazine linked to slightly more weight loss than aripiprazole in people with schizophrenia, though overall differences wer…
Self-help mindfulness and CBT interventions reduce depression and anxiety in distressed students
Mindfulness Apps Help Students Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
This RCT in 335 distressed university students in China found that self-help mindfulness interventions, with or without CBT, significantly r…
A trial found that online mindfulness programs significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in stressed university students compare…
Values affirmation writing reduced anxiety in first-year minoritized STEM students compared to neutral writing in an RCT
Writing Exercise Eases Anxiety in Minority STEM Students
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 69 first-year students from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds in STEM fields.
A brief writing exercise helped reduce anxiety and boost belonging among first-year STEM students from minoritized backgrounds.
Digital mental health intervention reduces anxiety and depression in Chinese high school students
A 12-week digital program reduced depression and anxiety in Chinese high school students
This 12-week randomized controlled trial in 390 Chinese high school students found that a digital mental health literacy intervention integr…
A 12-week digital program reduced depression and anxiety in Chinese high school students compared to controls, offering a scalable solution …
School-based screening and intervention reduced parent-reported anxiety in children aged eight to nine years
School screening program reduced child anxiety problems after one year
This cluster-randomised trial evaluated a screening-to-intervention pathway for child anxiety in primary schools in England.
A school-based screening and support program helped more children in England become free of anxiety problems after one year compared to usua…
Magnetic seizure therapy non-inferior to ECT for depression with better memory outcomes
Magnetic therapy matches standard shock therapy for depression but spares memory
This randomized non-inferiority trial compared magnetic seizure therapy (MST) with right unilateral ultra-brief ECT in 239 adults with major…
A new trial shows magnetic seizure therapy works as well as standard shock therapy for depression while causing far less memory loss in adul…
GLP-1RAs reduce weight and HbA1c in severe mental illness with low discontinuation rates
New drugs help people with severe mental illness lose weight safely
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in individuals with severe mental illness who h…
New weight loss drugs work well and stay safe for people with severe mental illness who struggle with obesity and high blood sugar.
Meta-analysis finds decreased GDNF levels in bipolar disorder but high heterogeneity limits conclusions
Brain chemical levels differ in bipolar disorder compared to healthy people
This meta-analysis of 825 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and 885 healthy controls found significantly lower circulating GDNF levels in …
A large review found lower levels of a specific brain chemical in people with bipolar disorder. This difference was clear even when comparin…
Meta-analysis finds NLRP3 inflammasome components upregulated in animal depression models
New research links brain inflammation to depression symptoms in animals
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 170 animals (85 depression model, 85 controls) found that protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC,…
Scientists found that specific inflammation markers rise in the brains of animals with depression, pointing to a new target for future treat…
Systematic review finds aerobic exercise improves executive function in adults with major depressive disorder
Aerobic exercise improves thinking skills in adults with major depression
This systematic review and three-level meta-analysis evaluated aerobic exercise in adults with major depressive disorder.
Adults with major depression who exercised regularly showed better focus and mental flexibility. This review found clear benefits for core t…
Systematic review finds cannabinoids reduce agitation in severe dementia but increase sedation risk
Cannabinoids Calm Agitation But Not All Dementia Symptoms
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated cannabinoids for neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with dementia.
Cannabinoids may calm agitation in dementia patients but do not fix all behavioral problems and can make people sleepy.
Clozapine Use Linked to Higher SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk in Severe Mental Disorders
Clozapine users faced higher risk of severe COVID-19 in large study
A meta-analysis of 155,945 outpatients with severe mental disorders found that clozapine users had a higher rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection com…
A massive analysis of over 155,000 people found that those taking clozapine had higher rates of infection and worse outcomes from COVID-19.
Preoperative psychological factors are associated with postoperative cognitive outcomes in older adults
Psychological factors linked to cognitive issues after surgery in older adults
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined preoperative psychological factors in older adults aged 60 years or older.
A large review links preoperative anxiety and stress to worse cognitive outcomes after surgery for older patients.
Meta-analysis identifies moderators of the bidirectional anxiety-alcohol relationship
Age and peer influence link anxiety and alcohol use
This meta-analysis of 55 longitudinal studies examined mediators and moderators in the anxiety-alcohol pathway.
Age, peer drinking, and family experiences shape how anxiety and alcohol use are linked, a review of 55 studies finds.
Meta-analysis reviews psychosis prevalence in bipolar disorder patients across 285 studies
Psychosis common in bipolar disorder, review finds
This meta-analysis reviews data from 285 studies regarding the prevalence of psychosis and psychotic symptoms in patients with bipolar disor…
Nearly half of people with bipolar disorder experience psychosis, and 8% also have schizophrenia, a review of 285 studies finds.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of digital technology interventions for cognitive function and mood in older adults
Digital tools may boost brain health in older adults
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated digital technology interventions in older adults with cognitive impairment, depression, a…
Using digital technology like apps or online programs may improve thinking skills and mood in older adults, a new analysis suggests.
Meta-analysis finds VR distraction does not reduce pain during IUD insertion but may lower anxiety
Virtual reality fails to stop pain during IUD insertion but helps with anxiety
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n=440) found that immersive virtual reality distraction did not significantly reduce pos…
New research shows virtual reality helps women feel less anxious during IUD insertion but does not reduce their physical pain.