1
, 2. Transmission - Is the conduction of pain impulses along the A-beta and C-fibers into
the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
3. Perception - Is the conscious awareness of pain, which occurs primarily in the reticular
and limbic systems, and the cerebral cortex.
4. Modulation - Involves many different mechanisms that increase or decrease the
transmission of pain signals throughout the nervous system.Depending on the mechanism,
modulation can occur before, during, or after pain is perceived.
*The Gate Control Theory Of Pain.
Pain transmission is modulated by a balance of impulses conducted to the spinal cord, where
cells in the substantial gelatinosa function as a "gate" that regulates the nociceptive transmission
to higher centers in the CNS. Does not account for phantom pain.
Gate opens= Increased perception of pain (Large A fibers)
Gate closes= Decreased perception of pain (small C fibers)
*The Pattern Theory Of Pain
Describes the role of impulses, intensity, and the re-patterning of the CNS.Although this theory
evolved to provide an explanation for neuropathic pain, this theory does not account for all types
of pain experiences.
*The Specificity Theory of Pain
The intensity of pain is directly related to the amount of associated tissue pain.
Only accounts for acute pain.
, 2. Transmission - Is the conduction of pain impulses along the A-beta and C-fibers into
the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
3. Perception - Is the conscious awareness of pain, which occurs primarily in the reticular
and limbic systems, and the cerebral cortex.
4. Modulation - Involves many different mechanisms that increase or decrease the
transmission of pain signals throughout the nervous system.Depending on the mechanism,
modulation can occur before, during, or after pain is perceived.
*The Gate Control Theory Of Pain.
Pain transmission is modulated by a balance of impulses conducted to the spinal cord, where
cells in the substantial gelatinosa function as a "gate" that regulates the nociceptive transmission
to higher centers in the CNS. Does not account for phantom pain.
Gate opens= Increased perception of pain (Large A fibers)
Gate closes= Decreased perception of pain (small C fibers)
*The Pattern Theory Of Pain
Describes the role of impulses, intensity, and the re-patterning of the CNS.Although this theory
evolved to provide an explanation for neuropathic pain, this theory does not account for all types
of pain experiences.
*The Specificity Theory of Pain
The intensity of pain is directly related to the amount of associated tissue pain.
Only accounts for acute pain.
