Neuroanatomy of Pain and Pain Pathways

摘要: It may not be quite clear when the study of pain pathways began, but it is almost certain that gained focus with reflex theory advanced by Descartes (1664) and was rejuvenated time again a number subsequent theories, such as specificity (Schiff 1858), sensory interaction (Noordenbos 1959) gate control (Melzack Wall 1965). More recently, pattern neuromatrix theories have discounted specific function assigned to anatomic components nervous system (e.g., Berkley Hubscher 1995a; Melzack 1999; Nafe 1934), particularly comes processing; they been faced challenges their own, least which translating theoretical framework into clinical applications. One thing we know for sure perception arises neural signals originating from terminals nociceptors are propagated second-order neurons in spinal cord or brainstem, whereupon transmitted higher-order brain areas (Price 2000). This chapter highlights recent advances our knowledge including understanding nociceptors, processing nociceptive information cord, thalamus, cerebral cortex descending modulate activity. Some this might potentially lead improvements patient care.