Chapter 6_2 flashcards
(53 cards)
Neuropathic Pain: Origin [cite: 1]
Originates from injury or dysfunction in peripheral nerves or the central nervous system.
Neuropathic Pain: Common Characteristics [cite: 2]
Burning, tingling (paresthesia), shooting, stinging, or “pins-and-needles” sensations.
Neuropathic Pain: Common Locations [cite: 2]
Often occurs in feet, legs, back, thighs, or toes, but can be in upper body too.
Neuropathic Pain: Associated Conditions [cite: 3]
Can result from conditions like diabetic polyneuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal nerve radiculopathy, postsurgical pain syndromes, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Neuropathic Pain: Classification Note [cite: 4]
Not typically classified as acute or chronic in the same way as nociceptive pain; can occur in waves of frequency and intensity.
Somatic Pain (Deep Somatic Pain): Origin [cite: 5]
Arises from ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, and nerves themselves.
Somatic Pain (Deep Somatic Pain): Characteristics [cite: 5]
Often described as dull or aching and is typically well-localized; longer duration than cutaneous pain.
Visceral Pain: Origin [cite: 6]
Emanates from deep organs, usually resulting from disease processes (e.g., distention of hollow organs, inflammation like cystitis or pancreatitis).
Visceral Pain: Characteristics [cite: 6]
Often poorly localized, vague, and may be described as pressure-like, deep squeezing, dull, or colicky. Can be accompanied by nausea or other autonomic symptoms.
Phantom Limb Pain: Definition [cite: 7]
Pain perceived in a limb or part of a limb that has been amputated.
Phantom Limb Pain: Cause [cite: 8]
Caused by continued neuronal activity in the brain (neuromatrix theory explains this as brain’s perception of the body/neurosignature) or spinal cord, despite absence of sensory input from the missing limb.
Simple Reflex Arc: Protective Function [cite: 9]
A protective response that occurs without initial brain involvement, allowing for immediate action.
Simple Reflex Arc: Neural Pathway [cite: 9, 10]
Afferent neuron carries sensory input into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord[cite: 9]; connects to an interneuron in the substantia gelatinosa[cite: 10]; interneuron then connects to an efferent neuron, which sends motor output via the ventral horn to enact motor activity[cite: 10].
Simple Reflex Arc: Brain Interpretation [cite: 11]
Brain interpretation is not required for the initial reflex action to occur.
Acute Pain: Characteristics [cite: 11, 12]
Sudden onset, short-term (hours to days)[cite: 11]. Usually linked to new tissue injury, inflammation, or surgery[cite: 12]. Resolves as healing occurs[cite: 12]. Serves a biologically protective role.
Chronic Pain: Characteristics & Associated Symptoms [cite: 12, 13]
Persists for more than 6 months[cite: 12]. May occur with or without apparent tissue damage[cite: 13]. Often associated with fatigue, irritability, depression, and sleep disturbances[cite: 13]. Debilitating and does not serve a protective function.
WHO Pain Ladder Approach: Step 1 [cite: 13]
For mild pain: Non-opioids (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, NSAIDs).
WHO Pain Ladder Approach: Step 2 [cite: 13]
For mild to moderate pain persisting or increasing: Weak opioids (e.g., codeine, tramadol) ± Step 1 drugs ± adjuvants.
WHO Pain Ladder Approach: Step 3 [cite: 13]
For moderate to severe pain persisting or increasing: Strong opioids (e.g., morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone) ± Step 1 drugs ± adjuvants.
WHO Pain Ladder Approach: Application for Tension Headaches [cite: 14]
For tension-type headaches, non-opioid treatments (Step 1) are typically tried first.
Fibromyalgia: Characteristics [cite: 14]
Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, presence of multiple tender points upon palpation, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, depression. [cite: 14]
Fibromyalgia: Cause [cite: 14]
Cause is unknown, but believed to involve central pain sensitization (abnormal pain processing by the CNS).
Spinal Nerve Radiculopathy: Definition & Pain Pattern [cite: 15, 16]
Involves compression or inflammation of a spinal nerve root[cite: 15]. Pain is typically localized to a specific dermatome supplied by that nerve (e.g., sciatica - pain radiating down posterior leg from L4-S1 impingement), not usually widespread[cite: 16].
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux): Affected Nerve & Symptoms [cite: 16, 17]
Affects the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)[cite: 16]. Symptoms include intense, stabbing, electric shock-like facial pain, usually unilateral, often around eye, cheek, lower face[cite: 17]. Triggered by touch, sounds, common activities.
