Pain Theories Flashcards
Theory that proposed that pain is a multidimensional experience - produced by brain and spinal cord, no damage to tissues, different parts of CNS work together to create perception of pain
Neuro matrix theory
Phantom pain is an example of this pain theory
Neuro matrix theory
Considers pain as an independent sensation which specialized peripheral sensory receptors (nociceptive), which respond to damage and send signals through pathways in the nervous system to target centers in the brain where they are processed and produce the experience of pain
Specificity theory
Holds that specific pain receptors transmit signals to a “pain center” in the brain that produces the perception of pain.
Specificity theory
A mechanism exists within dorsal horn of spinal cord - small nerve fibers (pain receptors), large nerve fibers (normal receptors). The two fibers synapse on projection cells which go up the spinothalamic tract to the brain and inhibitory interneurons within the dorsal horn. The interplay determines when painful stimuli go to the brain.
Gate Theory
Small fibers (C fiber, Adelta) effect on Gate (gate theory)
Opens gate
Large fibers (AB) effect for Gate Theory
Closes
Type of pain that small fibers (Adelta) transmit
Sharp, prickly pain
Type of pain small fibers (c fiber) transmit
Dull aching pain
Fiber that is thin, myelinated, slow
small Adelta fibers
Large fibers (AB) type of Pain transmitted
Non-painful stimuli
Fiber that is thin, unmyelinated, slow
C fiber
Thick, myelinated, fast fiber
AB
Where widespread neural processes are generated in the brain.
The neuromatrix according to Melzak
Does not separate systems/reception of pain - puts forth that pain receptors are shared with other receptors (ie touch) and receptors are able to differentiate into dangerous/damaging sensations from the ones that aren’t.
Pattern theory of pain
