Pain Physiology Flashcards

1
Q

Excitatory Pain Modulating Transmitters

A

Substance P, Neurokinin A, Glutamate, Aspartate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Inhibitory Pain Modulating Neurotransmitters

A

Glycine and GABA by intrinsic spinal neurons. Enkephalins, Serotonin, and Norepi released in dorsal horn from descending efferent neuronal pathways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Substance P Receptor

A

Neurokinin -1 (NK1) and Neurokinin-2 (NK2)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Glutamate receptors

A

NMDA, AMPA, kainite

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Enkephalin receptors

A

Mu and delta

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Serotonin receptors

A

5-HT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where do A-delta fibers terminate?

A

In Rexed lamina I and V

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where do C-fibers terminate?

A

In Rexed lamina II and III

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Specificity Theory

A

Specific pain receptors transmit signals to a “pain center” in the brain that produces the perception of pain. Does not account for psychological factors that affect our perception of pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Pattern Theory

A

Pain signals are sent to the brain only when stimuli sum together to produce a specific combination or pattern. Does not posit specialized pain receptors nor does it see the brain as having control over the perception of pain. Set the stage for Gate Control Theory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Gate Control Theory

A

Best accepted pain theory. Accounts for both “top-down” brain influences on brain perception as well as other effects of tactile stimulation (rubbing banged knee) in appearing to reduce the perception of pain. There is a gate through which all info regarding pain must pass. An “open gate” means that transmission cells (T-cells) can carry signals to the brain where pain is perceived. A “closed gate” stops t-cells from firing and no pain signal is sent to the brain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q
  1. Where is the proposed “gate” or control system according to the Gate Control Theory?
  2. What controls whether the gate is opened or closed?
A
  1. The dorsal horn of the spinal cord

2. The Substantia gelatinosa in the dorsal horn.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the four elements of pain processing?

A

1) transduction 2) transmission 3) modulation 4) perception

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

An event where noxious stimuli are converted into an action potential

A

Transduction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Conduction of action potential via first, second, and third-order neurons

A

Transmission

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Most common site for modulation of pain

A

Dorsal horn of spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the modulation of pain?

A

The altering of afferent neural transmission along the pain pathway. Can involve either inhibition or augmentation of pain signals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

These receptors are sodium-dependent channels and are essential for fast synaptic afferent input.

A

AMPA and kainate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

MOA between NMDA and Substance P

A

NMDA receptor is calcium channel-dependent and is activated by prolonged depolarization of second-order neurons. Release of substance P into spinal cord will remove magnesium block on the channel of NMDA receptor, giving glutamate free access to NMDA.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the surgical stress response?

A

Activation of the SNS, neuroendocrine response, and immune system modulation with the release of cytokines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

The neuroendocrine response increases the secretion of which catabolic hormones?

A

cortisol, glucagon, growth hormone, and catecholamines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

The neuroendocrine response decreases the secretion of which anabolic hormones?

A

insulin and testosterone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the consequences of the neuroendocrine response?

A

Hyperglycemia and negative nitrogen balance. This results in poor wound healing, muscle wasting, fatigue, and impaired immunocompetency.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the 3 primary mechanisms of action for opioid analgesia?

A

1) inhibition of calcium influx PRESYNAPTICALLY, preventing depolarization of cell and release of NT substance P and glutamate
2) Enhanced potassium efflux and hyperpolarization of POSTSYNAPTIC cells, decreasing pain transmission
3) activation of descending inhibitory pain circuit via inhibition of GABAergic transmission in the brainstem,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Allodynia

A

Perception of normally nonnoxious stimuli as pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Anesthesia Dolorosa

A

Pain in an area that lacks sensation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Dysesthesia

A

Unpleasant or abnormal sensation with or without a stimulus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

hyperalgesia

A

increased response to noxious stimuli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Allodynia is usually associated with which type of pain?

A

Neuropathic pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Discuss the role of NMDA receptors in chronic pain states.

A

Under normal conditions, NMDA receptors remain inactive because of magnesium stability. In chronic pain, magnesium is displaced and NMDA receptors are easily accessible to glutamate which allows calcium ions to enter cells, causing an exaggerated release of substance P and excitatory amino acids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Which type of receptors are known to play a significant role in chronic pain wind up?

A

NMDA receptors. They do not participate significantly in primary nociceptive transmission, they have a bigger role in spinal or central sensitization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Radiculopathy

A

Functional abnormality of one or more nerve roots.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Explain NMDA receptor role in preventive analgesia.

A

Prevention of NMDA receptor activation in the dorsal horn prevents wind up, facilitation, central sensitization, and long term potentiation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

A-delta fibers

A

fast, myelinated. “first pain.” sharp or stinging. well localized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

C-fibers

A

slow, unmyelinated. “second pain.” diffuse. Associated with affective and motivational aspects of pain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Types of nociceptors

A

Mechanoreceptors: pinch, pinprick sensation
Silent nociceptors: activated only in presence of inflammation
Polymodal mechano-heat nociceptors: response to excess pressure, temp extremes, and pain-producing substances (alogens) such as substance P, histamine, serotonin, and PGEs. You A-delta and C fibers are polymodal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

two types of second-order neurons

A

nociceptive-specific: located in lamina I, respond only to noxious stimuli, involved in sensory-discriminative aspects of pain.

wide dynamic range (WDR): Laminae IV, V, VI. Respond to both nonnoxious and noxious stimuli. involved in the affective-motivational component of pain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

where are the cell bodies of first, second, and third-order neurons located?

A

dorsal root ganglion, dorsal horn, and thalamus, respectively.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What causes “wind up” aka central sensitization?

A

Repetitive C-fiber stimulation of WDR neurons in the dorsal horn.

40
Q

What is the perception of pain?

A

Integration of painful input into the somatosensory and limbic cortices.

41
Q

A-alpha fibers

A

Heavily myelinated. Motor function.

42
Q

What analgesics affect the PERCEPTION of pain?

A

PARENTERAL opioids, alpha 2 agonist, and general anesthetics.

43
Q

What drugs inhibit the TRANSMISSION of pain?

A

Local anesthetics.

44
Q

alpha 2 agonists affect which elements of pain processing?

A

Modulation and perception.

45
Q

NSAIDS affect which elements of pain processing?

A

Transduction and modulation.

46
Q

3 critical principles for successful preventative analgesia

A
  1. Depth of analgesia must be adequate enough to block all nociceptive input during surgery.
  2. Analgesic technique must be extensive enough to include entire surgical field.
  3. Duration of analgesia must include both the surgical and postsurgical periods.
47
Q

Neuropathic pain responds best to which drugs? Which are first line drugs?

A

NMDA receptor antagonists, alpha 2 agonists, and alpha2-delta subunit calcium channel ligands, SNRIs, TCAs. SNRIs are considered first line.

48
Q

Neuropathic pain is the result of…

A

accidental nerve injury secondary to cutting, traction, compression, or entrapment.

49
Q

Surgical procedures that are high risk for neuropathic pain.

A

limb amputations, thoracotomy, breast surgery, gallbladder surgery, and inguinal hernia repair.

50
Q

Two prodrugs that require metabolism by CYP2D6 enzyme to active analgesic form.

A

Codeine and tramadol.

51
Q

Where do first-order neurons primarily synapse with second-order neurons in the dorsal horn?

A

In laminas I, II, and V.

52
Q

What 3 areas are opioid receptors located?

A
  1. the periphery, following inflammation
  2. the spinal cord dorsal horn, primarily Rexed lamina II of substantia gelatinosa
  3. supraspinally in the brainstem (PAG), thalamus, amygdala, and limbic cortex.
53
Q

Where are mu type opioid receptors found along the descending inhibitory pathway?

A

In the periaqueductal gray, the nucleus raphe magnus, and the rostral ventral medulla.

54
Q

Which area in the dorsal horn is the major site of action for opioids?

A

Lamina II substantia gelatinosa. It contains many interneurons responsible for processing and modulating nociceptive input

55
Q

Lamina V responds to…

A

both noxious and nonnoxious stimuli and receives both somatic and visceral inputs.

56
Q

Lamina I responds to…

A

Nociceptive stimuli from cutaneous and deep somatic tissues

57
Q

What category of receptors are opioids?

A

GPCR

58
Q

What laminae make up the dorsal horn?

A

Laminae I - VI, which represents the primary sensory component of the spinal cord.

59
Q

What laminae make up the ventral horn?

A

laminae VII-IX and X, involved in somatic motor and autonomic functions, respectively.

60
Q

Where do SOMATIC C fibers primarily terminate? What abour VISCERAL C fibers?

A

Laminae I and II of the same and/or one or two adjacent spinal segments from which they entered. Visceral C fibers have a wider branching pattern, can terminate in ipsilateral laminae I, II, V, and X and also contralateral V and X (they are less localizable). They may terminate in the dorsal horn more than five segments rostrally or caudally.

61
Q

Pain fibers originating from the head are carried by which nerves?

A

trigeminal V, facial VII, glossopharyngeal IX, and vagal X

62
Q

spinalreticular pain pathway

A

arousal and autonomic responses to pain. The reticular formation is associated with changes in LOC in response to pain.

63
Q

spinalmesencephalic pathway

A

antinociceptive descending pathways because of its projection in the PAG. Plays a role in the control and inhibition of pain. Neurons in the PAG activate our natural pain suppression system that involve the release of endogenous opioids.

64
Q

muscle tendon, bone, and fascia have ____ nociceptors

A

somatic

65
Q

Visceral organs have ____ nociceptors

A

silent

66
Q

Factor VII allows the release of what?

A

Bradykinin

67
Q

Role of COX enzyme

A

converts arachidonic acid to prostacyclin and PGE2 which potentiates edema from bradykinin

68
Q

Phospholipase A2

A

Produces PGEs and forms arachidonic acid

69
Q

Lipoxygenase pathway and arachidonic acid

A

Produces leukotrienes

70
Q

What do ASA and NSAIDS inhibit?

A

COX enzyme

71
Q

What do corticosteroids inhibit?

A

They inhibit the production of PGEs by blocking phospholipase A2 activation.

72
Q

Receptor field expansion

A

Dorsal horn neurons increase their receptive fields to become more sensitive to stimuli whether noxious or not

73
Q

What is the goal of preemptive analgesia?

A

To prevent central sensitization to pain, reducing postoperative analgesic requirements. It occurs by preventative NMDA receptor activation in the dorsal horn that is associated with wind up, facilitation, central sensitization, and long term potentiation.

74
Q

What is acute pain?

A

It is usually less than one-month duration, self-limiting and resolves with healing of injury. Nearly always NOCICEPTIVE. Poorly controlled acute pain can lead to chronic pain.

75
Q

What is chronic pain?

A

1-6 months duration and persists beyond usual course of disease or healing. Maybe nociceptive, neuropathic, or both. Usually have attenuated neuroendocrine response.

76
Q

4 predictors of acute postoperative pain after elective surgery.

A

1) Presence of preoperative pain
2) Patient’s fear regarding outcome of surgery
3) Patients who catastrophize pain
4) Expected postoperative pain

77
Q

Factors that contribute to the surgical stress response.

A

Extent of surgical field. Number of pain receptors involved in the area. Bleeding, infection, anxiety, and presence of coexisting disease. The older the patient, the worse the surgical stress response.

78
Q

What role do steroids play in regional blocks?

A

They prolong the duration.

79
Q

What 3 major pathways make up the anterolateral system?

A

The spinothalamic, spinoreticular, and spinomesencephalic tracts.

80
Q

The “triad” of the descending pain inhibition system

A

PAG, rostral ventral medulla, and dorsolateral pontine tegmentum

81
Q

What contributes to primary hyperalgesia (exaggerated response to pain at the site of injury)?

A

Peripheral sensitization of polymodal C fibers and high threshold mechanoreceptors by chemical mediators of pain.

82
Q

What is secondary hyperalgesia?

A

Increased pain response evoked by stimuli outside the area of injury caused by central sensitization.

83
Q

What are the two aspects of gabapentin’s MOA?

A

Modulation of the calcium-induced release of glutamate centrally in the dorsal horn, and activation of descending noradrenergic pathways in the spinal cord and brain.

84
Q

Substance P

A

Released from peripheral afferent nociceptor C fibers and is involved in slow, chronic pain.

85
Q

Glutamate

A

Release from A-delta and C primary afferent fibers. Effects are instantaneous, producing initial, fast, sharp pain.

86
Q

Acetaminophen MOA

A

Works centrally. Reduces PGE synthesis by uncertain mechanism (but may be by COX enzyme).

87
Q

How are nerve fibers classified?

A

By their anatomy, rate of transmission, and sensory modality transduced.

88
Q

true visceral pain

A

dull, diffuse and midline. autonomic responses to pain such N/V, BP and HR changes

89
Q

true parietal pain

A

sharp localized

90
Q

referred parietal pain

A

referred to the chest and upper abdominal wall

91
Q

referred visceral pain

A

referred to neck and shoulder

92
Q

How do parenteral opioids work?

A

by initiating action potentials in the descending dorsal lateral funiculus

93
Q

The affective component to the perception of noxious stimuli and autonomic responses such as increased BP and HR are mediated by….

A

the spinohypothalamic and spinoamygdalar pathways. Ascending axonal projections of these pathways arise from the spinal cord lamina I and X.

94
Q

Name 4 blocks that are done for cancer pain

A

lumbar sympathetic block, splanchnic nerve block, celiac plexus block, hypogastric plexus block.

95
Q

What block must be done under fluoroscopy to minimize the risk of aortic dissection?

A

The celiac plexus block.

96
Q

Allodynia is mediated by which type of fibers?

A

large diameter A-beta fibers.