Modulation and plasticity in the nociceptive system course
This session describes the mechanisms by which the pain signal is subject to modulation, from induction to perception.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the ‘classical’, Cartesian model of a hard-wired pain pathway
- Explain how a TENS machine works
- Account for the phenomenon of the painless battlefield injury
- Explain the analgesic effect of tricyclic antidepressants and opioids
- Account for the effect of emotion on pain perception
- Define the concept of neuroplasticity within the nociceptive system
Before commencing this session you should:
- Module 05a/Anatomy of Nociceptive Pathway/Anatomy of the Ascending Pain Pathway (001-0496)
- Module 05a/Anatomy of Nociceptive Pathway/Physiology of Pain Transmission (001-0497)
Dr Williams studied medicine at Aberdeen University, qualifying MB, ChB in 1991. He took up his post in Glasgow in 2004.
He chairs the West of Scotland Pain Group and is responsible for coordinating ST3 and 4 training in pain management for the West of Scotland School of Anaesthesia. He has a major clinical interest in pain management, including clinical input to the Glasgow pain management programme. Research interests include trainee assessment and clinical informatics in pain management.
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