Central Nervous System Flashcards
How is chronic pain defined?
Pain lasting longer than 3 months
What are some of the side effects of prostaglandin release?
Inflammation, swelling and redness
What might be the cause of toothache?
Decay
Abcesses
Gum disease
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments supporting a joint.
A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons that support a joint.
What are the two types of back pain?
Lumbago and Sciatica
What are the seven different types of headache?
Tension headaches Migraines with aura Migraines without aura Sinus headaches Cluster headaches Hangover headaches Medicine overuse headaches
How is the pain distributed in sinus headaches?
Dull pain localised above and below the eyes.
Describe the symptoms of a cluster headache.
Sharp pain around the eye which can cause a watery eye and temporarily dropping of the face on one side.
What are some of the alarm symptoms of a headache in which you should refer to the Pharmacist?
If the headache has lasted more than a week Speech is slurred Pain with fever Numbness Pain that prevents movement Recent head injuries Pain onset is sudden Pain is persistent
Which type of analgesics prevent the production of prostaglandins?
Paracetamol and Non-Steroidial Anti-Inflammatories
How do combination opioids work?
They bind to opioid receptors found in the gut, spinal cord and brain which prevents the neuronal signalling and the pain sensation being experienced.
What are some examples of Topical Analgesics?
Counter irritants: Add feeling of warmth distracting the brain
Heat patches
Cooling therapies
TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines send small electrical pulses through the area to block pain signals.
What is some lifestyle advice for dealing with injuries?
Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate (PRICE) the injury for 48hours after a sprain or strain.
Compress the injury to reduce swelling
Continue gentle movement
Stay well rested
What is some lifestyle advice to prevent further injuries?
Warm up and cool down when exercising
Good posture
Weight loss to reduce pressure on the joints
What are some of the symptoms that indicate a baby is teething?
Excess dribbling Swollen/ red/ bleeding gums Chewing toys Flushed cheeks Inability to be soothed, no other apparent cause
At what age do children have their milk teeth?
3 years old
What are some of the alarm symptoms for teething babies?
Rash Fever and vomitting Baby becomes floppy or unresponsive The baby is refusing foods Breathless/ wheezing
What treatment options are available for teething infants?
Local anaesthetics in the form of teething gels can be used alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol
What lifestyle advice could be offered to a parent of a teething infant?
Try and distract them by playing
Cold vegetables to chew on or frozen fruit can soothe the gums
Petroleum jelly prevents rashes from forming due to dribbling
Cooled teething rings can be used (e.g Chewy)
Why does travel sickness occur?
Conflicting signals between the balance in the ear detecting movement and signals from the eyes detecting motionless.
Give examples of possible OTC treatments for travel sickness?
Anti-histamines
Hyoscine Hydrobromide
What doses of Cinnarizine and Promethazine can be used?
Cinnarizine should be taken 2 hours before a journey and a second dose can be taken 8 hours later if it is still required.
Promethazine can be taken 1-2 hours before or the night before if it is a long journey
What is the duration of effect of Cinnarizine and Promethazine?
Cinnarizine: 8 hours
Promethazine: 4-6 hours but can be up to 12
Hyoscine hydrobromide: can repeat doses every 3 hours but no more than 3 doses within 24 hours. Patches can be kept on for up to 72 hours.
What are some of the possible side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide?
Can cause eye irritation
Constipation
Dizzy and sleepy
Dry mouth
