Pain Flashcards
What are the sensory discriminative and affective motivational dimensions of pain?
The sensory discriminative dimension of pain refers to the physical qualities of pain, such as intensity, location, and duration.
The affective motivational dimension of pain refers to the emotional and motivational aspects of pain, such as the unpleasantness and desire to avoid the pain.
What is nociception?
Nociception is the process by which the nervous system detects and responds to noxious stimuli, such as those that cause pain. It involves several stages, including:
transduction (the conversion of a noxious stimulus into an electrical signal)
transmission (the transmission of the signal to the brain)
modulation (the modification of the signal by other neurons),
and perception (the conscious experience of pain).
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is a normal, protective response to tissue damage or injury, and typically resolves within a few weeks.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists beyond the normal healing time and can last for months or even years. It may have no clear cause or be the result of a chronic condition, and can have significant effects on physical and mental health.
What are some analgesic mechanisms for acute pain?
Analgesic mechanisms for acute pain can include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and local anesthetics.
These medications can work by blocking the production of inflammatory molecules, reducing the transmission of pain signals, or blocking pain signals at the site of injury.
What are some analgesic mechanisms for chronic pain?
Analgesic mechanisms for chronic pain can include the use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and other medications that target the nervous system. These medications can work by modifying the way pain signals are processed in the brain, reducing inflammation, or altering the balance of neurotransmitters involved in pain perception.
Additionally, non-pharmacological treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, and acupuncture may be effective for some individuals.
