Pain Management: Introduction to Dorsal Root Ganglia and Gate Theory

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What is the primary function of nociceptors?

Responding to innocuous stimuli such as gentle touch

Responding to noxious or potentially damaging stimuli (correct)

Modulating pain perception in the sensory cortex

Transmitting signals through peripheral nerves

What is the mechanism by which mediators act on nociceptors?

By increasing the release of neurotransmitters

By directly stimulating the sensory cortex

By inhibiting the transmission of pain signals

By selectively changing the permeability of the receptor (correct)

What is the role of calcium ions in nociceptor activation?

They are involved in the modulation of pain perception

They are not involved in nociceptor activation

They play a significant role in the production of generator potentials (correct)

They inhibit the transmission of pain signals

What is the route that pain signals take from the periphery to the brain?

Peripheral nerves, dorsal horn, midbrain, sensory cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which pain signals are modified or regulated?

Modulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the conversion of a stimulus into an electrical signal?

Transduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the dorsal root ganglia in relation to pain?

To modulate sensory input in the dorsal horn Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the physiological perception derived from a particular stimulus or pattern of stimuli?

Pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sensory receptor that responds to stimuli that cause pain?

Nociceptor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the 'gate theory' in relation to pain?

To modulate sensory input at the level of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of pain according to the International Association for Study of Pain?

A subjective experience derived from a particular stimulus or pattern of stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibres are mainly responsible for transmitting 'slow' pain from deeper structures and viscera?

C fibres Signup and view all the answers

According to the gate control theory, what happens to pain messages when the 'nerve gates' are open?

Pain messages 'get through' easily Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of pain sensation?

To minimize tissue damage Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain results from central sensitization of second-order interneurons and peripheral sensitization of primary nociceptors?

Pathological pain Signup and view all the answers

Which route of onwards travel is concerned with 'fast' pain from skin receptors?

Neospinothalamic tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of psychological factors in the experience of pain?

They can affect pain through the gate control mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of prolonged hyperalgesia?

Debilitating persistent pain Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the 'nerve gates' to close, reducing pain?

Medications and counter-stimulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to prolonged, severe neuropathic pain?

Nerve damage Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is involved in the modulation of pain?

Periaqueductal grey Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enkephalin in pain modulation?

Inhibits pain transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dorsal horn in pain perception?

Modulates pain intensity Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is involved in pain gating?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the periaqueductal grey (PAG) in pain modulation?

Modulates pain intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of endogenous opioids in pain modulation?

Suppress pain transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of endogenous opioid?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mu opioid receptors in pain modulation?

Suppress pain transmission Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain is characterized as 'fast' pain?

Superficial pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of chronic pain?

It produces physical manifestations and emotional effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of undesirable learning processes in chronic pain?

Dissociation of external pain stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleus caudalis in relation to pain?

It modifies pain input from the trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the gate theory in relation to pain?

It is a biopsychosocial model of pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of chronic pain?

Depression, fear of recurrence, and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of trigeminal neuralgia?

It is a type of chronic pain that affects the trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers