Neuropathic and Nociceptive Pain

Question 1

whats the difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain?

Answer 1

nociceptive - caused by activity in neural pathways in response to potential tissue damaging stimuli

neuropathic - caused by primary lesion OR dysfunction in nervous system

Question 2

info & symptoms of neuropathic pain?

Answer 2

constant burn/aching pain
fixed location
often fixed intensity

Question 3

how can you manage neuropathic pain with medication?

Answer 3

Systemic:
pregabalin
gabapentin
tricyclics

Topical:
Capsaicin (found in chilli peppers)
Benzydamine

Question 4

What are some physical methods of managing neuropathic main?

Answer 4

TENS Machine
Acupuncture - good results

Question 5

What psychological methods to manage neuropathic pain?

Answer 5

distraction, improve self esteem/positive outlook

Question 6

what is atypical odontalgia?

Answer 6

dental pain WITHOUT dental pathology

Question 7

what situations can you be faced in that present atypical odontalgia?

Answer 7

acute pulpitis pain - endo relieves/reduces pain but it then returns

XLA relieves pain but pain returns in adjacent tooth after short time

Question 8

what should you do if a patient in primary care (GDP) starts presenting with atypical odontalgia?

Answer 8

REFER TO ORAL MEDICINE

If you dont, they will keep getting endodontic treatment and XLA even though they dont need it. Dont want to carry out treatment not needed.