Pain Physiology Flashcards
Nociceptors vs. Agamma fibers vs. C fibers
Nociceptors = polymodal, high threshold, slow!
Alpha-gamma fibers = myelinated and fast! Sharp pain
C fibers == unmyelinated and slow == aching pain
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP)
Measures hot/cold pain!
Cold = Menthol Hot = capsaicin
What area of the brain is important for the emotion aspects of pain? (Fear and anxiety)
Amygdala, insular and cingulate cortex
Synaptic gating…
Other receptors such as touch… can overwhelm the nociceptors and you can feel pressure instead of pain
Term for when things that are not usually painful become painful
Allodynia
Term for decreasing the threshold and increasing AP frequency due to inflammation or damaged tissue…
Peripheral sensitization!
Central sensitization…
Neuroplasticity that causes hyperalgesia or allodynia
Strengthening of the synapse…
