algogenic:
Something which sensitizes nociceptors (pain receptors). Things such as histamine, potassium and substance P are algogenic, and are typically released locally at sites of injury.
Definitions: A to D
allodynia:
When a sensation that is not normally painful is felt to be painful. An example is a light brush against the skin being painful.
analgesia:
When a stimulus producing pain is not felt as painful. This may be due to nerve dysfunction or medications. After a dentist places local anesthetic, you may feel pressure but not pain if analgesia has been achieved.
anesthesia dolorosa:
A combination of an area that is 'numb' (anesthesia), but at the same time is painful.
causalgia:
Neuropathic pain that can be attributed to a nerve injury. If there is no known nerve injury, it cannot be causalgia.
central nervous system:
The portion of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.
central pain:
Pain that is caused/ sustained by a process in the central nervous system (CNS). This means an injury that has healed, but produced changes in the CNS may still be felt as painful.
cerebrospinal fluid:
The fluid that surrounds and flows through the brain and spinal cord. It has numerous functions, including support.
deafferentation:
Loss of normal sensory input, perhaps due to nerve injury. This can make the nerves normally receiving the missing sensory input sensitized to remaining input.
dura:
The leathery membrane surrounding the spinal cord. This forms a 'sac' containing the cerbrospinal fluid (CSF) which bathes the spinal cord. It is actually a collection of several layers of tissue (dura mater, pia mater and arachnoid).
dural puncture headache:
A headache caused by a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through a hole in the dura. The lack of CSF is believed to cause tension on the vascular and nervous structures. It typically resolves spontaneously.
dysesthesia:
An abnormal sensation that is unpleasant.
