Faculdade de Ciências Médicas

Clinical Aspects of Pain

Code

MF04

Credits

6

Teacher in charge

Fernando Pimentel dos Santos

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The aim of this curricular unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of the current concepts related with pain sciences. At the end of this unit the students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the neurophysiology of pain, pain theories, the influence of the psychosocial factors in pain and disability, the predictors of pain and disability.

Prerequisites

 

Subject matter

  • Pain Neurophysiology;
  • Pain clinics in Portugal
  • Central and Peripheral mechanisms of pain perception and pain control;
  • Multidisciplinary pain management
  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to treatment
  • The development of chronic pain: Definitions and the problem of diagnosis;
  • Mechanisms of chronic pain: The Bio-Psycho-Social model of pain;
  • Physiotherapy and pain management

Bibliography

- Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell. Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed. McGraw-Hill Medical (2000).

- Neugebauer, V. The amygdala: different pains, different mechanisms. Pain 127 (2007) 1-2 [11 refs.]

- Brooks, JCW, Tracey, I. The insula: a multidimensional integration site for pain. Pain 128 (2007) 1-2 [22 refs]

- Sindrup, SH, Jensen, TS. Are sodium channels blockers useless in peripheral neuropathic pain? Pain 128 (2007) 6-7 [9 refs]

- Butler DS, Moseley GL. (2003) Explain Pain. Noigroup Publication. Adelaide City West, South Australia,

- Main CJ & Spanswick CC (2000) Pain Management. An interdisciplinary approach, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Teaching method

Teaching and Learning strategies include:

  • Lectures and Seminars
  • Case based clinical scenarios.
  • Self-directed Learning;

Evaluation method

Assessment Methods

  • Multiple choice written test of 1-hour length (75%).
  • Assignment with a public discussion (25%).

To complete this curricular unit the students must have a classification of a minimum of 50% in both curricular unit assignments.

Courses