Pain Flashcards
Cutaneous Pain
superficial pain, usually involving the skin or sq tissue
Somatic Pain
deep, scattered and originates in the tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels and nerves. Strong pressure on bone or damage to tissue that occurs with a sprain.
Visceral Pain
Poorly localized and originates in body organs. One of the most common types of pain produced by disease and occurs as the organs stretch abnormally
Neuropathic Pain
pain caused by a lesion or disease of the peripheral or central nerves
Psychogenic Pain
physical cause for pain cannot be identified
Neuromodulators
naturally present morphine-like chemical regulators in the spinal cord and brain. Examples: endorphins, dynorphin and enkephalins
Enkephalins
less potent than endorphins. Widespread throughout the brain and dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Reduce pain by inhibiting release of substance P
Endorphins
Pain blocking chemicals
Intractable Pain
pain resistant to therapy
Cutaneous Stimulation
techniques that stimulate the skin’s surface (think Gate control theory). Can be accomplished by massage, heat/cold application, acupressure, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Pain must be localized
TENS
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Non-invasive alternative to acupuncture. Pain must be localized
Biofeedback
uses a machine to monitor for physiologic responses through electrode sensors on the skin. Transforms physiologic data into visual display of their respirations, muscle tensions, sweat response and/or heart rate
Adjuvant
anticonvulsants, antidepressants, multi purpose drugs. Used to enhance effect of opioids
Rhizotomy
killing nerve fibers-minimally invasive
Cordotomy
neurosurgical procedure in which an image-guided needle is used to make a very precise lesion (tissue change) in the spine. The procedure treats chronic pain by targeting and disabling specific nerves that are sending pain signals.
