Pain

Question 1

Explain how pain perception works?

Answer 1

Cerebral Cortex: The pain signal is processed in the somatosensory cortex, which interprets the type, location, intensity, and quality of the pain.

Limbic System: Handles the emotional aspect of pain, influencing how we react to it.

Know threshold (uniform) and tolerance (subjective)

Question 2

List the 3 areas of the brain associated with pain perception

Answer 2

PREFRONTAL CORTEX - identifies type, location, and intensity of pain

LIMBIC SYSTEM - emotional response to pain

PRIMARY SOMATO SENSORY CORTEX - understanding the context of pain

Question 3

List the classifications of pain

Answer 3

Acute - short lived and self limiting

Chronic - ongoing consistent

Neuropathic - associated with nerve damage

Nociceptive (2 categories) - Somatic & Visceral

Question 4

Summarise the pain pathway (simple terms)

Answer 4

Detection: Nociceptors detect damage.

Transmission: Pain signals travel through A-delta and C fibers to the spinal cord.

Ascending Pathway: Signals are sent from the spinal cord to the brain via lateral spinothalamic tract

Perception: The brain processes and perceives pain.

Modulation: The brain can alter the pain perception through descending pathways.

Question 5

Name simple physiological and pyschological mechanisms that help modulate pain

Answer 5

physiological mechanisms = gate control theory and natural painkillers like endorphins and enkephalins

psychological factors =like focus and mood

Question 6

What is pain sensitisation?

Answer 6

process where the body’s pain pathways become more responsive to pain signals, meaning even small or normally non-painful stimuli can start to feel painful. This can happen due to injury, inflammation, or ongoing pain, making the pain feel stronger or last longer

Question 7

What is referred pain?

Answer 7

Referred pain occurs because pain signals from one area of the body are processed by the brain as coming from another area. This happens because the nerves from different parts of the body can share pathways in the spinal cord, causing the brain to get confused about the pain’s source.

Question 8

Explain the gate control theory

Answer 8

Gate Control Theory: The spinal cord has a “gate” that can block or let pain signals through to the brain. If the gate is closed, you feel less pain; if it’s open, you feel more pain. Small-diameter (A-delta and C-) fibres are required to open the gate.

The body can increase or decrease the pain you feel through various mechanisms. For example, rubbing an injury can help “close the gate” and reduce pain, while natural painkillers like endorphins can also lower pain intensity.