Pain

Question 1

difference between nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain

Answer 1

nociceptive - an appropriate response to painful stimulus via an intact nervous system
neuropathic - an inappropriate response caused by dysfunction in the nervous system

Question 2

allodynia

hyperalgesia

Answer 2

pain from a stimulus that is normally painful

more than expected from a painful stimulus

Question 3

list causes of neuropathic pain

Answer 3

shingles
surgery 
trauma 
diabetic neuropathy 
usually idiopathic

Question 4

list the WHO analgesics ladder

Answer 4

non-opioid analgesics (NSAIDS, paracetamol)
opioid analgesics (tramadolol, codeine, morphins, oxycodone)
antidepressants (TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs)
anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregablin)
topical analgesics
local anaesthesia

Question 5

SE of NSAIDs

Answer 5

GI irritation/bleeding
renal toxicity
potential drug-drug interaction
CVS

Question 6

SE of paracetamol

Answer 6

risk of toxic liver damage

Question 7

SE of opioid analgesics

Answer 7

N &V
constipation 
dizziness or vertigo 
somnolence 
dry skin, itch

Question 8

SE of TCAs

Answer 8

constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, insomnia, increased appetite

Question 9

SE of SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer 9

N&V, constipation, somnolence, dry mouth, increased sweating, loss of appetite

Question 10

SE of anticonvulsants

Answer 10

sedation 
dizziness
ataxia
peripheral oedema 
nausea
weight gain

Question 11

Types of topical analgesics
how do they work
SEs

Answer 11

rubefacients, capsaicin, NSAIDs, lidocaine, levomenthal

reduce pain impulses transmitted by A delta fibres and C fibres

rash, itch, erythema