Peripheral sensitization is due to posttranslational and transcription changes in the terminal ends of high-threshold nociceptors resulting in primary hyperalgesia. Central sensitization in contrast typically manifests in tactile allodynia and secondary hyperalgesia (in tissue not affected by any harmful condition).
How do you explain central sensitization?
Central sensitization is a condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain . When central sensitization occurs, the nervous system goes through a process called wind-up and gets regulated in a persistent state of high reactivity.
What is the difference between central and peripheral sensitization?
The difference between central and peripheral sensitization can be identified quite easily, as peripheral sensitization becomes heat-sensitive whereas central sensitization
Is allodynia central or peripheral sensitization?
These hyperactive neurons (including the nociceptor) contribute to spontaneous pain and allodynia reported by many patients. Allodynia is thought to be supported by central sensitization in these patients.
Is peripheral sensitization normal?
Sensitization is a heightened sensitivity to stimuli that may occur normally in the central or peripheral nervous system, but this condition is also present in many chronic pain conditions.
Is central sensitization permanent?
Neuron hyperexcitability, known as “central sensitization,” occurs. Glutamate and other excitatory amino acids are released in the inflammatory process causing tissue destruction in the CNS. In this process, memory of the pain somehow becomes permanently imprinted .
What does Central sensitization feel like?
Sensitized patients are not only more sensitive to things that hurt, but tend to feel pain to ordinary touch and pressure . Central sensitization occurs through a process called wind-up, leaving the involved part of the nervous system in a state of high reactivity.
How do you fix central sensitization?
- acetaminophen (paracetamol) – primarily acts centrally reinforcing descending inhibitory pathways. ...
- serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors – activate noradrenergic descending pathways together with serotonergic pathways.
Is central sensitization reversible?
Given that degradative pathways exist, the process of central sensitization can be reversed . Activity by astroglial cells, however, may mitigate the effects of receptor degradation by upregulating and facilitating the process of central sensitization.
What are the signs and symptoms of central sensitization?
- Widespread pain.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fatigue, poor sleep.
- Headaches.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Poor memory or concentration.
How do you explain peripheral sensitization to patients?
Peripheral sensitization indicates increased responsiveness and reduced threshold of nociceptive neurons in the periphery to the stimulation , which usually occurs after peripheral tissue injury and inflammation.
Can anxiety cause central sensitization?
Central sensitization is also associated with cognitive changes, such as poor concentration and poor short-term memory. It is typically accompanied by increased levels of emotional distress , particularly anxiety.
Is central sensitization a disability?
Background: Central sensitization (CS) is found in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is related to clinical symptoms, including pain-related disability.
How does peripheral sensitization occur?
Up-regulation of existing receptors:
This influences the threshold is known as peripheral sensitization. This occurs when the chemical mediators stimulate the receptors on the nociceptive terminals .
What is an example of sensitization?
Sensitization is the strengthening of a neurological response to a stimulus due to the response to a secondary stimulus. For example, if a loud sound is suddenly heard , an individual may startle at that sound. ... It is essentially an exaggerated startle response, and is often seen in trauma survivors.
What is in the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system refers to parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. It includes the cranial nerves, spinal nerves and their roots and branches, peripheral nerves, and neuromuscular junctions .
