Final Exam Flashcards
What are the stages of the Pain Cycle?
- Pain
- Guarding
- Muscle spasm and inflammation
- Restricted mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of normal function
- Anger, Frustration, and helplessness
What are Nociceptors?
Pain receptors
Which fibers do the Nociceptors activate and what are their characteristics?
- A-delta Fibers
- Myelinated (faster transmission)
- Evoke sharp, pricking sensation
- C-Fibers
- Unmyelinated (slower transmission)
- Longer lasting
- Evoke burning sensation that is poorly localized
What are the characteristics of A-beta Fibers?
- More myelinated than A-delta fibers (very fast transmission)
- Carries impulses related to touch
What is the Gate Theory?
A-beta fibers are able to send impluses activated by light/warm touch up to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord faster than the A-delta and C-fibers can send impulses of pain. In turn, the touch impulses “close the gate” at the dorsal horn so that the pain impulses cannot get through and travel to the brain.
What is Endogenous Opiate Liberation?
The systemic release of endogenous opiates (such as endorphans, enkephelans, serotonin, and dopamine) which block the perception of pain at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These opiates can be stimulated by things like pain, exercise, acupuncture, meditation, laughter, relaxation, or muscle twitching (which we can acheive with E-stim)
What are the Pros and cons of Biphasic Current?
- More comfortable for the pt.
- Can use Bipolar, dual bipolar, and Quadrapolar configuration
- Does not allow you to “sweep” to prevent accomidation
What are the Pros and Cons of HVPC?
- Allows you to “sweep” to prevent accomidation
- Can use buildup of Sodium Hydroxide to treat wounds or edema
- Cannot adjust pulse duration for comfort of pt.
- Cannot use quadrapolar configuration
What does a Biphasic Current mean?
The current alternates directions so that their is no buildup of Sodium Hydroxide
What current does HVPC use and what does that mean?
Monophasic current, which means the current only runs in one direction, causing a build up of Sodium Hydroxide (but not very much since HVPC is pulsed)
How do you set up electrode configuration for HVPC when the goal is sensory analgesia?
1 or 2 small pads on or around area of pain hooked up to active electrode (which is usually the negative electrode), and 1 large pad anywhere on the body hooked up to the dispersive electrode.
What are the parameters for Sensory Analgesia with a biphasic current and HVPC?
Frequency: 80-120 pps
Duty Cycle: (Biphasic: 60-200 uSec) (HVPC: Fixed)
Amplitude: Strong Comfortable Tingle
Tx Time: 20’ initially (can progress to 1hr)
What are the parameters for Endogenous Opiate Liberation with a biphasic current and HVPC?
Frequency: 1-10
Duty Cycle: (Biphasic: 60-200 uSec) (HVPC: Fixed)
Amplitude: Comfortable/Visible Muscle Twitch
Tx Time: 30’ initially (up to 45 mins)
What does HVPC stand for?
High Volt Pulsed Current
What does IFC stand for?
Interferential Current
What are the Pros and Cons of IFC?
- It is the deepest penetrating current
- Good for joints
- Can use static to pinpoint pain or dynamic to treat pain in a general area
- Must use a quadripolar configuration unless using the Premod current
- When using the static option, the electrodes must be placed correctly to create a horizontal or vertical vector line
- Can only use IFC for Sensory Analgesia