Ch. 8: Neuropathic Pain, Pain Matrix Dysfunction & Pain Syndromes Flashcards
1
Q
What is chronic pain in neuropathic pain, pain matrix dysfunction, and pain syndromes?
A
the neural mechanisms for regulating pain amplify signals, creating pain in the absence of noxious stimuli
2
Q
What is Nociceptive Pain?
A
- Continuing pain stimulus, neurons functioning normally.
- Find pain and remove it (ex: remove edmea & apin goes away)
3
Q
Wha are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
A
-
Paresthesia
- abnormal, not painful (ex: tingling when foot wakes back up)
-
Dysesthesia
- abnormal, extra sensation, painful/unpleasant
- May be burning or shooting pain
-
Allodynia
- normally not painful touch produces a feeling or perception of pain
-
Secondary Hyperalgesia
- normally painful stimulus produces pain response that is out of pain proportion (too big!)
4
Q
As a mechanism that produces neuropathic pain, what is an Ectopic Foci?
A
Signal starts in pain neuron somewhere other than free nerve ending (Ex: tapping on median nerve at carpal tunnel)
5
Q
As a mechanism that produces neuropathic pain, what is an Ephatic Transmission?
A
- ephaptic = short circuit
- Demylenation of many neurons leads to short circuit.
- Feel normal, non-painful touch and feel that it is painful
- Touch sensation JUMPS to pain.
6
Q
As a mechanism that produces neuropathic pain, what is a Central Sensitization?
A
- anywhere inside nervous system but ESPECIALLY dorsal horn of spinal cord
- Equivalent of LTP at pain synapse
- more neurotransmitter, receptors = easier pain signaling
- Creates Hyperalgesia = pain out of proportion
7
Q
As a mechanism that produces neuropathic pain, what is a Structural Reorganization?
A
- touch neurons create synapses on pain neurons in dorsal horn of spinal cord
- Starts with MASSIVE pain signal
- Pain neuron withdraws
- Touch neurons grows new synapses into pain pathway
- Now, patient perceives simple touch as being PAINFUL
