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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.

    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, including applicable clinical pain conditions.

    About this paper

    Paper title Pain Neurobiology
    Subject Pain and Pain Management
    EFTS 0.1250
    Points 15 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,509.38
    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

    Administrator Client Services
    Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
    University of Otago, Christchurch
    PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
    Tel +64 3 378 6161 
    Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Paper Coordinator: Dr Iain Bell

    Paper Structure

    PAIN713 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

    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 and the impact of these findings on clinical practice and understanding in the area of human pain experience.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Christchurch
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    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 2 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,551.63
    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

    Administrator Client Services
    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 and the impact of these findings on clinical practice and understanding in the area of human pain experience.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Christchurch
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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