Why Is Visceral Pain Poorly Localized?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The poor localization and diffuse nature of the pain

results from the low density of sensory innervation of the viscera together with the extensive functional divergence of the visceral input within the central nervous system

.

Why is visceral pain poorly Localised?

Afferent fibers involved in processing visceral pain are

unmyelinated C-fibers that enter the spinal cord bilaterally

, resulting in dull, poorly localized pain. Visceral pain is often of gradual onset, and although localization may be imprecise, some general rules may be helpful (Fig.

Is visceral pain localized?

Visceral pain occurs when pain receptors in the pelvis, abdomen, chest, or intestines are activated. We experience it when our internal organs and tissues are damaged or injured. Visceral pain

is vague, not localized

, and not well understood or clearly defined.

Why visceral pain is poorly localized and can be perceived?

Neurobiology. The vague and poorly defined sensation as well as its temporal nature, characteristic of visceral pain, is due to

the low density of sensory innervation of viscera and the extensive divergence of visceral input within the central nervous system (CNS)

.

What does poorly localized pain mean?


Deep somatic pain

is initiated by stimulation of nociceptors in ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, fasciae and muscles, and is dull, aching, poorly localized pain. Referred pain is characterized by pain felt in a location away from the site of the painful stimulus.

Is visceral pain sharp or dull?

Understanding Visceral Pain

Visceral pain originates in the organs of the chest, belly, or pelvis. You might describe it as a

dull ache

, but other ways to describe it include: Gnawing.

How do you relieve visceral pain?

Treatment of visceral pain includes: OTC Medication: Some of the

over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

such as Aleve (naproxen) and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) are blood thinners that can, in some cases, end up exacerbating the cause of the discomfort.

What does visceral hypersensitivity feel like?

What Are Symptoms of Visceral Hyperalgesia? Patients experience

pain

which they describe in many ways. The pain may feel sharp, dull or burning. It may be constant or may come and go.

Which organ is most associated with referred visceral pain to the epigastric area?


Stomach

visceral pain is in general located in the mid-epigastric region. The involvement of peritoneum parietal layer by gastric diseases may determine pain only in the upper left abdominal quadrant. Diseases involving duodenal bulb cause visceral pain in the epigastric region and possibly in abdominal URQ.

What events trigger visceral pain?

Typical triggers of visceral pain are

distension of hollow organs (stretch), strong contraction of visceral smooth muscle (tension), stretch or torsion of the mesenteric attachments of abdominal viscera, inflammation or ischemia

.

Which internal organ is insensitive to pain?


The brain itself

does not feel pain because there are no nociceptors located in brain tissue itself. This feature explains why neurosurgeons can operate on brain tissue without causing a patient discomfort, and, in some cases, can even perform surgery while the patient is awake.

What is visceral hypersensitivity?

Visceral hypersensitivity means

a general increase in pain sensation experienced in internal organs

. It is common in IBS sufferers. If you suffer from this, an internal stimulus which would normally not be noticed will register to you as pain.

Which of the following is a visceral sensation?

Conscious sensations arising from the viscera, in addition to pain, include

organ filling, bloating and distension, dyspnea, and nausea

, whereas non-visceral afferent activity gives rise to sensations such as touch, pinch, heat, cutting, crush, and vibration. Both sensory systems can detect chemical stimuli.

What are the 4 types of pain?

  • Nociceptive Pain: Typically the result of tissue injury. …
  • Inflammatory Pain: An abnormal inflammation caused by an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system. …
  • Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve irritation. …
  • Functional Pain: Pain without obvious origin, but can cause pain.

How can you tell the difference between muscle pain and organ pain?

Somatic pain and visceral pain are two distinct types of pain, and they feel different. Somatic pain comes from the skin. muscles, and soft tissues, while visceral pain comes from the internal organs. 1 Learn the differences in how you might experience them, their sources, and how they are treated.

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator for chronic pain?


Self-report of pain

is the single most reliable indicator of pain intensity.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.