Preventive analgesia
Preventive Analgesia
Preventive analgesia (pronunciation: pre-ven-tive an-al-ge-sia) is a medical approach that aims to reduce the sensitivity of the nervous system to pain stimuli, thereby decreasing the postoperative pain experienced by patients.
Etymology
The term 'preventive analgesia' is derived from the Latin word 'praeventivus' meaning 'coming before', and the Greek word 'analgesia' meaning 'insensibility to pain'.
Definition
Preventive analgesia is a proactive method that involves the administration of analgesics before the onset of noxious stimuli, with the intention of reducing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. This approach is based on the theory that preventing the establishment of central sensitization results in a decrease in postoperative pain.
Mechanism of Action
Preventive analgesia works by blocking the pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. This is achieved by administering analgesics before the surgical procedure, which prevents the establishment of a 'pain memory' in the central nervous system.
Related Terms
- Analgesics: Medications used to relieve pain.
- Nervous System: The complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
- Central Sensitization: A condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain.
- Postoperative Pain: Pain that occurs after a surgical procedure.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Preventive analgesia
- Wikipedia's article - Preventive analgesia
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