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Overview

The current understanding of pain mechanisms, including nerve physiology, modulation, central nervous system changes in pain states, and chronic pain states with implications for treatment mechanisms.

Understanding pain neurobiology and other physiological systems involved in the human experience of pain helps with diagnosis, managing painful disorders and explaining aspects of pain in the clinic. This paper will extend students' understanding of pain neurobiology as it applies to clinical presentations and informs treatment.

About this paper

Paper title Pain Neurobiology
Subject Pain and Pain Management
EFTS 0.1250
Points 15 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,743.38
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
MSME 704 or PAIN 710
Restriction
PAIN 701
Limited to
MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPhty, MPhty
Eligibility

Appropriately qualified health professionals, including medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, osteopaths or physiotherapists.

Contact

Post Graduate Administrator
Divisional Services and Administration
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tel +64 21 279 1423
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Paper Coordinator: Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson

Paper Structure

PAIN 713 consists of eight modules, covering topics that include:

  • Review of nociception and fundamental neurobiological processes
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Neurobiology of nonpharmacological therapies in pain
  • Visceral (pelvic) pain
  • Nociplastic pain mechanisms
  • “Top down” cortical and descending processes
Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

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. Students will develop skills to apply and discuss neurobiological concepts in clinical practice.

Assessment details

This paper is internally assessed, giving students an opportunity to explore topics relevant to their practice. There is no end of semester examination.

Overview

The current understanding of pain mechanisms, including nerve physiology, modulation, central nervous system changes in pain states, and chronic pain states with implications for treatment mechanisms.

Understanding pain neurobiology and other physiological systems involved in the human experience of pain helps with diagnosis, managing painful disorders and explaining aspects of pain in the clinic. This paper will extend students' understanding of pain neurobiology as it applies to clinical presentations and informs treatment.

About this paper

Paper title Pain Neurobiology
Subject Pain and Pain Management
EFTS 0.1250
Points 15 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 (Distance learning)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
MSME 704 or PAIN 710
Restriction
PAIN 701
Limited to
MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPhty, MPhty
Eligibility

Appropriately qualified health professionals, including medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, osteopaths or physiotherapists.

Contact

Post Graduate Administrator
Divisional Services and Administration
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tel +64 21 279 1423
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Paper Co-ordinator: Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson

Paper Structure

PAIN 713 consists of eight modules, covering topics that include:

  • Review of nociception and fundamental neurobiological processes
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Neurobiology of nonpharmacological therapies in pain
  • Visceral (pelvic) pain
  • Nociplastic pain mechanisms
  • "Top down" cortical and descending processes
Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

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. Students will develop skills to apply and discuss neurobiological concepts in clinical practice.

Assessment details

This paper is internally assessed, giving students an opportunity to explore topics relevant to their practice. There is no end-of-semester examination.

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