Pain Theories Flashcards
What are the 5 different types of pain theories?
1) . Specificity theory.
2) . Intensity theory.
3) . Pattern theory.
4) . Neuromatrix theory.
5) . Gate control theory.
What is specific theory?
- Specific receptors pick up a specific sensation of pain.
- These transmit signals to the ‘pain centre’ in the brain.
What is the intensity theory?
- Pain occurs when the stimuli is really intense, not by being a pain stimuli.
What is the pattern theory?
Pain id detected by the difference in the patterns of signals sent through the nervous system.
What is the neuromatrix theory?
Pain isn’t limited to the sensory input, but also the activities of the nervous system.
What is the pain pathway?
1) . Nociceptor –>
2) . A and C fibres (pain fibres) –>
3) . Dorsal horn of spinal cord.
4) . Spinothlamic tract –>
5) . Thalamus –>
6) . Sensory cortex.
What is the main concept of the gate control theory?
There is a ‘gate’ in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord which can be opened and closed to pain information.
Which pathway does the gate control theory use?
Pain pathway.
When does the ‘gate’ open?
When information flows from pain fibres (A + C fibres) across the synapse to the T neuron.
When does the ‘gate’ close?
When the information doesn’t cross this synapse.
What neurotransmitter is associated with pain?
Substance P.
Which neuron is substance P receptors on?
T neuron.
How is excitation and inhibition related to the gate control threory?
- 2 fibres, one is thicker than the other.
- 1 fibre = tell the brain there is pain (excitatory).
- 1 fibre = tell the brain there isn’t pain/stop pain (inhibitory).
Which fibre is excitatory?
A.
Which fibre is inhibitory?
C
