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The current understanding of the neuropathophysiology of pain, including the concepts of transduction and transmission, nerve physiology, pain modulation, central nervous system changes in pain states, and chronic regional and neuropathic pain states.
Pain science has, and is, developing very quickly. Understanding the neurobiological systems involved in the human experience of pain assists with clinical diagnosis, management of painful disorders and knowing how to explain neurobiological information in the clinical context. This paper follows on from paper MSME 704 Introduction to Pain. It will extend students' understanding of neurobiological anatomy and physiological processes, but does not extend into psychological or sociocultural aspects, which are the focus of PAIN 703, Psychosocial and Cultural Aspects of Pain, nor biomedical treatment which is the focus of PAIN 702, Biomedical Pain Management.
| Paper title | Neurobiology of Pain |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PAIN701 |
| Subject | Pain and Pain Management |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | Second Semester (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,444.50 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $5,337.00 |
- Prerequisite
- MSME 704 or MSMX 704
- Restriction
- PAIX 701
- Limited to
- MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPhty, MPhty
- Eligibility
Appropriately qualified health professionals, including medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, osteopaths or physiotherapists.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information on the Musculoskeletal and Pain Management Programmes website
- Teaching staff
Dr Jenny Keightley, with assistance from a variety of other clinical and academic staff.
- Paper Structure
PAIN 701 consists of eight modules, covering topics that include:
- Physiology of nociception
- Anatomy and function of the dorsal horn
- Pain modulation
- Tissue-specific nociception
- Neuropathic pain and associated factors in the nociceptive system
- Nociplastic pain, pain vulnerability and persistent pain conditions
- Teaching Arrangements
- Material is delivered electronically and is distance taught. There are eight fortnightly online teaching sessions.
- Textbooks
There is no single textbook for this paper. Readings will be provided for students to access via the Library, with additional readings and other multimedia material provided via Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy,
Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have developed an in-depth understanding of current scientific progress in pain neurobiology and the impact of these findings on clinical practice and understanding in the area of human pain experience.
