1 Pain Related Neurophysiology Flashcards
Ion Channel Expression
ions flow in and out of membrane
- stimulation of nerves during pain
Mechanism
- ion channels = plugs of proteins
- governs electrical activity
Explain how proteins/channels affect pain?
mRNA builds protiens and creates channels
Channels open/close based on TYPE of stimulus
Distribution of channels based on genetics and Brain
- what your brain thinks it needs for survival, channels selected on you need to handle stress, too many of one kind will be overwhelming dominant pain response
What is an Unhealthy Peripheral Nervous system?
- Bombardment of C fiber activity into the CNS dorsal horn resulting in permanent changes over time
- Retrograde firing of nerves resulting in increased inflammation, swelling, and immune responses
How does the CNS process information from peripheral nerves?
Dorsal horn = sensory information comes in
- significant changes over time
What are interneurons and how do C fibers influence?
Interneurons are gate keepers of pain from CNS into the brain (bouncers)
Persistent C fibers over a period of time can kill interneurons (high level of amino acids)
= Central sensitization
Death in inhibitory neurons
Decreased gating from periphery
C fibers pull pack, A fibers grow in
Allodynia (light touch hurts now)
Upregulation of second order neurons
Increased firing towards the brain
Decreased endogenous mechanism
Allodynia + hyperalgesia
Inappropriate synapsing
Spreading pain, sympathetic, immune, motor contributions, bilateral mirror pains
What is the WET Brain
The use of opioids and endorphins that calm the brain during pain (happy chemicals)
Over time the brain dries up the happy chemicals
- Brain is worried about you taking in pain and numbing medicine is out. Takes more information coming in
Adrenaline
Epinephrine
Adrenal meduall
Cortisol
Hydrocortisone
Adrenal Cortex
How does cortisol affect the tissues?
Sore
Tired
Sensitive
Fatigued
How does cortisol affect the brain?
Memory Sleep Concentration BP Reproduction Other
