Neurobiologische Grundlagen des Schmerzgedächtnisses

Abstract

Inflammation, trauma and surgical procedures cause sensitisation of nociceptive nerve endings (peripheral sensitisation). This is often accompanied by sensitisation of neurons in the central nervous system (central sensitisation). Peripheral sensitisation typically ceases when the primary cause for pain disappears. In contrast, central sensitisation may outlast the injury and may than contribute to chronic pain. Latest developments in pain research have shed light on mechanisms of central sensitisation and memory traces for pain.