Pain

Question 1

Nociceptive pain

Answer 1

• Caused by damage to body tissue and usually sharp, aching or throbbing pain
• Visceral: pain of internal organs
• Somatic: pain of musculoskeletal system, tendons, ligaments, bones

Question 2

Neuropathic pain

Answer 2

• Occurs when there is nerve damage
• Burning pain or heavy sensation, or numbness
• can be caused by tumour pressing down on group of nerves

Question 3

How does pain work?

Answer 3

Transduction: chemicals released that activate nociceptors (action potential)
Transmission: Injury site –> spinal cord –> brain stem –> thalamus –> cortex
Perception: awareness of pain once action potential reaches cerebral cortex
Modulation: Body releases neuromodulators that hinder transmission of pain, producing an analgesic effect

Question 4

Opioid side effects:

Answer 4

• respiratory depression
• sedation
• blurred vision
• constipation