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Prep for Success- PAIN
A&P Reminders:
Describe the 4 PROCESSES to Nociceptive PAIN (p. 582)
1. Transduction
i. involves the activation of primary nociceptive fibers (the primary afferent neurons
throughout the body) when tissue damage occurs from any of the following
sources: mechanical (trauma, surgery, tumor), thermal (burn, extreme, cold) or
chemical (toxin, chemo.) Excitatory compounds are released through local tissues,
immune cells, or nerve endings and include serotonin, bradykin, histamine,
substance P, and prostaglandins. These physiologic processes set off an action
potential which is the second phase of nociception, called transmission.
2. Transmission
i. information passes through the root ganglia to the spincal cord, and then continues
through multiple ascending pathways to the brainstem. Effectiveness of analgesic
medications is based on their ability to modify specfic aspects of transduction and
transmission.
3. Perception
i. is the point at which pain is conspicuously experienced. Sensory, emotional and
cognitive areas of the brain are involved in the perception of pain, Effectiveness of
cognitive behavioral therapies and other body-mind modalities is related to this
aspect of nociception.
4. Modulation refers to the physiologic responses to painful stimuli, which involves both
the central and peripheral nervous systems and many neurochemicals, including
serotonin, norepinephrine, and endogenous opioids. Effectiveness of antidepressants
for relief of pain is associated with their effects on serotonin and norepinephrine
5. Now draw a picture that you could use to describe pain physiology to an older adult:
