NR 283 Patho Exam 4 / Final Study guide (Latest):
Pathophysiology: Chamberlain
*Nociception - Sensation of pain resulting from transmission of neural impulses to the brain that
is caused by noxious stimuli
*Non-nociceptive Pain - Neuropathic Pain [peripheral and central]
Nociceptors - Free nerve endings located throughout the body in the afferent PNS that respond to
chemical, mechanical and thermal stimuli.
1. Nociceptors are not evenly distributed throughout the body. Sensitivity to pain differs
according to their location
2. Fingertips have more nocicpetors than the skin of the back
*Nystagmus - Involuntary unilateral or bilateral rhythmic movements of the eyes. Happens at
rest or when the eye is following a moving object. (eyes shake back and forth)
*Jerk Nystagmus- One eye moves faster than the other.
*Strabismus - One eye deviates from the other when the person is looking at an object. This is
caused by a weak or hypertonic muscle in the eye. (primary symptom= diplopia)
* 4 processes of nociception
1. Transduction - Begins when tissue is damaged by exposure to chemical, mechanical,
or thermal noxious stimuli.This causes the activation of nociceptors.
, 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.
Pathophysiology: Chamberlain
*Nociception - Sensation of pain resulting from transmission of neural impulses to the brain that
is caused by noxious stimuli
*Non-nociceptive Pain - Neuropathic Pain [peripheral and central]
Nociceptors - Free nerve endings located throughout the body in the afferent PNS that respond to
chemical, mechanical and thermal stimuli.
1. Nociceptors are not evenly distributed throughout the body. Sensitivity to pain differs
according to their location
2. Fingertips have more nocicpetors than the skin of the back
*Nystagmus - Involuntary unilateral or bilateral rhythmic movements of the eyes. Happens at
rest or when the eye is following a moving object. (eyes shake back and forth)
*Jerk Nystagmus- One eye moves faster than the other.
*Strabismus - One eye deviates from the other when the person is looking at an object. This is
caused by a weak or hypertonic muscle in the eye. (primary symptom= diplopia)
* 4 processes of nociception
1. Transduction - Begins when tissue is damaged by exposure to chemical, mechanical,
or thermal noxious stimuli.This causes the activation of nociceptors.
, 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.
