Pain Flashcards
What fibres respond to fast pain
A delta afferent fibres
What fibres respond to dull (long) pain
C fibres
What do tertiary reticulothalmic fibres do
Keep you awake by arousal
What neurotransmitters are found in pain pathways
Glutamate and substance P
Which neurotransmitter is associated with sharp pain, and which with dull?
Dull ~ substance P
Sharp - glutamate
Why is skin around a wound more sensitive
Substance p causes histamine to be releases causing vasodilation. Exists to prevent further damage
What do opioids?
Inhibits interneuron pathways causing dulling of pain
What are enkephalins
Inhibit glutamate and substance P release in the spine
Which receptors respond best to opioids
Mew opioid receptors
What is descending gate control pathways
Small interneurons in the spine cause hyperpolarised pain neurons
What did gateway theory show
Pain relief can be achieved by any stimulation of the skin, such as rubbing and scratching
Methods of pain management?
General and local anaesthetics
Opiates
Anti inflammatory drugs
Placebo
What is a side effect of opiates
Body stops producing naturally occurring opiates
How do anti inflammatorys work
Block prostaglandins at the site of injury
How does placebo work and how effective
30%
May activate feel good pathways as you feel better about it
