Pathophysiology of Pain Flashcards
What is pain?
Pain involving specific receptors that detect various stimuli, including sharp pain and extreme temperatures.
What are nociceptors?
Nociceptors are receptors that detect noxious stimuli and relay signals to the spinal cord.
How does pain signal travel in the nervous system?
Pain signals travel through sensory nerves to the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord, then to the thalamus and cerebral cortex.
What is the role of the thalamus in pain perception?
The thalamus processes sensory information and directs it to the appropriate area of the cerebral cortex for interpretation.
What are the aspects of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord has dorsal (back) and ventral (front) aspects, with sensory information entering through the dorsal side and motor responses exiting from the ventral side.
What are the layers protecting the brain and spinal cord?
The brain and spinal cord are protected by three layers called meninges: pia mater (thin), arachnoid mater (spider-like), and dura mater (tough).
What is nociceptive pain?
Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage, usually described as sharp, aching, or throbbing pain.
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain results from nerve damage or dysfunction, which may involve abnormal sensations (dysesthesia) or pain from normally non-painful stimuli (allodynia).
What are alpha-delta fibers?
Alpha-delta fibers are fast fibers for sharp pain.
What are C fibers?
C fibers are slow fibers for dull, throbbing pain.
What is the Gate Control Theory?
The Gate Control Theory suggests that non-noxious stimuli can inhibit the perception of pain by ‘closing the gate’ in the nervous system.
What is the role of endorphins?
Endorphins, released by the body in response to stress or trauma, bind to opioid receptors to reduce pain perception, similar to morphine.
What is GABA’s role in pain management?
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks pain signals.
How does morphine provide pain relief?
Morphine binds to mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, providing pain relief but also causing side effects like respiratory depression.
What is the function of local anesthetics like lidocaine?
Lidocaine acts as a sodium channel blocker, preventing action potentials and providing local anesthesia.
