pain & analgesics

• What are the different types of pain mentioned?

  Nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic
• What does the WHO 'pain ladder' concept explain?

  It describes pain management strategies
• What is acute pain defined as?

  A protective mechanism lasting < 12 weeks
• Why is pain considered an important alarm system?

  It alerts us to serious injuries
• What is the definition of pain according to the IASP?

  An unpleasant experience associated with tissue damage
• What factors can influence the experience of pain?

  Psychosocial, clinical, and demographic factors
• What is the Numeric Rating Scale used for?

  Rating pain intensity
• What does a score of 0 on the pain scale indicate?

  No pain
• What does the RAT approach stand for in pain assessment?

  Recognize, Assess, Treat
• What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

  Acute pain lasts < 12 weeks; chronic pain > 3 months
• What is nociceptive pain associated with?

  Tissue injury
• What is allodynia?

  Pain after non-painful stimulation
• What is hyperalgesia?

  Increased pain from a normally painful stimulus
• What is neuropathic pain caused by?

  Nerve injury
• What are common descriptions of neuropathic pain?

  Severe, sharp, burning, cold sensations
• What is nociplastic pain characterized by?

  Pain without clear evidence of tissue damage
• What is the role of inflammatory mediators in pain?

  They increase pain sensitivity
• What do NSAIDs do in pain management?

  Block cyclooxygenase enzymes
• What is the primary action of paracetamol?

  Reduces production of prostaglandins
• What is a significant risk of paracetamol overdose?

  Liver damage
• What is the prevalence of chronic pain in adults?

  1 in 5 adults
• What are the types of chronic pain?

  • Nociceptive/Inflammatory
  • Neuropathic
  • Nociplastic
• What are the mechanisms of pain detection?

  1. Detection of noxious stimuli
  2. Transmission of pain signals to spinal cord
  3. Reception by central brain centers
• What are the therapeutic classes of analgesics?

  • Non-opioid analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs)
  • Opioid analgesics
  • New therapeutic agents
• What are the adverse effects associated with NSAIDs?

  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Cardiovascular risks
  • Renal impairment
• What should be considered to prevent GI adverse effects with NSAIDs?

  • Use COX-2 inhibitors with PPIs for high-risk patients
  • Avoid multiple NSAIDs
  • Prefer short-acting NSAIDs
• What type of analgesic is Nefopam?

  Non-opioid analgesic
• When can Nefopam be used?

  For persistent pain if NSAIDs or opioids fail
• What respiratory effect does Nefopam have?

  Causes little or no respiratory depression
• What side effects can Nefopam cause?

  Sympathomimetic and antimuscarinic side effects
• What is Paracetamol classified as?

  Non-opioid analgesic
• How does Paracetamol work?

  By reducing prostaglandin production in the brain
• What are the limitations of Paracetamol?

  Lacks anti-inflammatory effects and anti-platelet action
• How does Paracetamol differ from NSAIDs?

  Paracetamol is a weak COX inhibitor
• What happens in mice lacking TRPA1 receptors regarding Paracetamol?

  No antinociceptive and antipyretic effect observed
• What is the metabolite of Paracetamol that activates TRPA1?

  N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI)
• What is the consequence of NAPQI activation in sensory neurons?

  Reduced voltage-gated calcium and sodium currents
• How is Paracetamol excreted from the body?

  In the urine
• What can happen in case of Paracetamol overdose?

  Causes liver damage
• What is the prevalence of chronic pain in adults?

  1 in 5 adults