Case 2 - Neuropathic Pain Flashcards
what are the two types of pain
nociceptive and neuropathic
what is nociceptive pain
caused by actual or potential damage to tissues. the reason we feel pain in these situations is because tiny nerve endings become activated or damaged by the injury and this sends pain messages to the brain via nerves.
what does nociceptive pain feel like
tends to be sharp or aching
what is neuropathic pain
type of pain caused by a problem with one or more of the nerves themselves.
how is neuropathic pain described
burning, stabbing or shooting pain
some examples of what causes neuropathic pain
- trigeminal neuralgia
- shingles
- diabetic neuropathy
- phantom limb surgery
- pain following chemotherapy
- ## cancer
can you have nociceptive and neuropathic pain at the same time
yes. for example, you may develop nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain from certain cancers
what is allodynia
means that the pain comes on, or becomes worse with a touch or stimulus that wouldn’t normally cause pain. for exam[le the slight touch of the face may trigger pain if you have trigeminal neuralgia or pressure on the bedclothes may trigger diabetic neuropathy pain
what is hyperalgesia
means that you get severe pain from a stimulus or touch that would normally only cause slight discomfort.
what is parathesia
get unpleasant or painful feelings even if there is nothing touting you and no stimulus. for example you may have painful pins and needles or shock like sensations.
how common is neuropathic pain?
it is estimated that 7 in 100 people in the UK have persistent neuropathic pain
what is a common medicine for neuropathic pain
tricyclic antidepressant medicines
how do tricyclic antidepressants work
help ease neuropathic pain separate to their own action on depression. it is thought that they work by interfering with the way nerve impulses are transmitted.
what is the most common tricyclic antidepressant
amitriptyline
another antidepressant good for treating neuropathic pain
duloxetine
