Neurophysiologic Mechanism of Pain

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A review of the literature regarding neurophysiologic mechanism of pain. OBJECTIVES: To review and discuss neurophysiologic mechanism of pain, including neuropathic pain. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW The neurophysiology of pain has been established at the cellular and molecular biology level through many studies. Also, multiple modalities to manage pain have been developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review. RESULTS: Pain develops by actions of multiple receptors, ion channels and neurotransmitters along the pain pathway. Pathologic states, such as persistent pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia, arise from alteration of the pain pathway. Especially, neuropathic pain results from nerve injury and its pathology is rather different from the neuroplasty of normal individuals. CONCLUSION: Multiple modalities, including individualized pain treatment based on pain phenotype, are introduced. However, optimal treatment is uncertain, therefore, further studies are needed.