Neuronal plasticity and pain

TLDR: This presentation will review some of the recent findings on physiological and neurochemical changes in the spinal dorsal horn associated with tissue damage and nerve injury.

Abstract: A frequent response to peripheral tissue damage or nerve injury is the appearance of constant pain, pain produced by innocuous stimulation, and increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these clinical features are poorly understood. Although peripheral neural mechanisms, such as nociceptor sensitization associated with tissue damage and neuroma formation following nerve injury, are contributors to the pathophysiology, recent studies indicate that changes in neuronal activity in the central nervous system also play an important role. This presentation will review some of the recent findings on physiological and neurochemical changes in the spinal dorsal horn associated with tissue damage and nerve injury.