Module 10: Altered Somatic & Sensory Function

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from the lecture on altered somatic and sensory function, covering pain pathways, pain theories, types of pain, and alterations in visual and auditory function.

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, what is the definition of pain?

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual and potential tissue damage.

Which system transmits sensations of pain, touch, temperature, and body position?

The somatosensory system.

Name the four types of receptors in the somatosensory system.

Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, and chemoreceptors.

What type of neurons are nociceptive pathways composed of?

First, second, and third-order neurons.

What is the function of the First-Order neurons?

Carry sensory information from the periphery to the Central Nervous System (CNS).

What is the function of the Second-Order neurons?

Relays information from the spinal cord and travels to the thalamus

What is the function of the Third-Order neurons?

Communicates sensory information from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex

Name four pain theories

Specificity theory, pattern theory, gate control theory, and neuromatrix theory.

What does the Neuromatrix theory state?

The brain (thalamus, limbic, spinal) identifies pain and there are multiple dimensions and determinants of pain, including stress, attention, culture, expectation, personality and genetics.

Describe A-delta fibers.

Short, fast pain; myelinated, large-diameter fibers.

Describe C fibers

Longer lasting, persistent, aching pain; slow conduction, unmyelinated, small diameter fibers.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain comes on suddenly and resolves quickly, chronic pain lasts a long time

What is the difference between somatic and visceral pain?

Somatic pain originates from skin, muscle, tendon, ligament and bone. Visceral pain originates from organs.

Define referred pain.

Pain perceived at a site different from its point of origin due to interconnecting sensory nerves.

What is Phantom Limb Pain?

Ongoing pain sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there.

What is the difference between anesthesia and analgesia?

Anesthesia is the absence of pain; analgesia is the absence or reduction of pain.

Give an example of a non-narcotic analgesic.

Aspirin and other NSAIDs.

What is the difference between rods and cones in the eye?

Rods are for vision in dim light, and cones are for vision in bright light and color.

What are the manifestations of alterations in vision?

Decreased acuity or clarity of vision occurs over time.

What happens when you have glaucoma?

Increased pressure in eye.

What are risk factors for Glaucoma?

Age (over 60), family history, diabetes, hypertension, sickle-cell anemia, eye trauma, and long-term steroid use.

What are clinical manifestations of angle-closure Glaucoma?

Eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and rainbows around lights at night.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Affecting the macula, resulting in distortion or loss of central vision.

What are the risk factors for macular degeneration?

Age older than 60 years, smoking cigarettes, hypertension, being overweight or obese, and family history.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration involves thinning of the macula over time; wet AMD involves blood vessels growing under the retina, causing leakage.

What causes disorders of the ear?

Obstruction can result from cerumen accumulation or a tumor, which diminishes sound movement to the middle ear

What hearing loss may result from immobility of the tympanic membrane?

Hearing loss may result from immobility of the tympanic membrane, fluid accumulation of the middle ear, and scarring from rupture of the tympanic membrane, altering function.

What is otitis media?

The most common infection of the middle ear.

What are signs and symptoms of Otitis Media?

Pain, loss of balance, pressure, hearing difficulties, tinnitus, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fever, and fluid drainage.

What is Ménière disease?

Chronic infection affecting inner ear on usually one side.

Give the manifestations of Ménière Disease.

Vertigo, a feeling of spinning, is a hallmark of Ménière disease and is often associated with nausea and vomiting.

What is Fibromyalgia?

A condition of the soft tissues and muscle.

Is Fibromyalgia chronic or acute?

Chronic, long-lasting condition.

What is Migraine Headache?

Recurrent, moderate to severe headaches that last 1-2 days. Often associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise and light

What causes headaches?

Caused by several conditions; primary vs secondary

What are the three main classes of analgesics?

Non-narcotic analgesics (aspirin, NSAIDs), Narcotic analgesics (opioids), Adjuvant analgesics (antidepressants, anticonvulsants)

What medications are used to treat Glaucoma?

Beta-adrenergic blockers, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Miotics, Prostaglandin analogs

What medications are used to treat Macular Degeneration?

There is no specific treatment for dry AMD. Treatment options of wet AMD includes: Laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and anti-VEGF therapy

What medications are used to treat Otitis Media?

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin

What medications are used to treat Ménière disease?

No cure exists, but there are treatments for controlling vertigo; Medications include: Antihistamines, antiemetics, and sedatives

What medications are used to treat Fibromyalgia?

Analgesics for pain relief, antidepressants, and physical therapy

What medications are used to treat Migraine Headaches?

Triptans, NSAIDs, and antiemetics