Crossmodal bias of visual input on pain perception and pain-induced beta activity

► Multisensory gain often is largest when unisensory inputs alone evoke low responses. ► We examined this principle of inverse effectiveness (IE) in human pain processing. ► Pain intensity ratings, event-related potentials and EEG beta-band responses followed the principle of IE. ► Multisensory integration of pain obeys similar rules as other sensory modalities.