Researchers from Stanford University examined patterns of brain activation in patients with chronic pain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during two common cognitive strategies, external focus of attention and reappraisal.Findings showed each cognitive strategy involved a different brain system with only a small amount of overlap. During external focus of attention, subjects are asked to draw their focus away from the pain. Brain activity was observed mainly in the cortical areas. While during reappraisal, subjects are instructed to change the interpretation of the pain from threatening to non-threatening. Activity was found in deep brain structures, as well as in some cortical regions. Only one area was observed to be active during both strategies.