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The mechanism of gate control theory can be used therapeutically. Gate control theory thus explains how stimulus that activates only nonnociceptive nerves can inhibit pain. The pain seems to be lessened when the area is rubbed because activation of nonnociceptive fibers inhibits the firing of nociceptive ones in the laminae. [4]
Another type of pain, known as neuropathic pain, is caused by a direct problem or disease that affects the nerves in the central nervous system. [11] The sensory pathways the WDR neurons can play a role in. A subset of this neuropathic pain, known as chronic neuropathic pain, is characterized by its long lasting and high pain intensity.
Descartes' pain pathway: "Particles of heat" (A) activate a spot of skin (B) attached by a fine thread (cc) to a valve in the brain (de) where this activity opens the valve, allowing the animal spirits to flow from a cavity (F) into the muscles causing them to flinch from the stimulus, turn the head and eyes toward the affected body part, and ...
The nociceptive signal is thus inhibited before reaching the cortical areas that interpret the signal as pain, such as the anterior cingulate. This is sometimes referred to as the gate control theory of pain and is supported by the fact that electrical stimulation of the PAG results in immediate and profound analgesia. [3]
Gate control theory of pain. A major hypothesis in the theory of pain perception is the gate control theory of pain, proposed by Wall and Melzack in 1965. The theory predicts that the activation of central pain inhibitory neurons by non-pain sensing neurons prevents the transmission of non-harmful stimuli to pain centers in the brain.
At Melzack's urging they wrote a paper on the Gate control theory of pain and published it in Brain in 1962; according to Wall it was read by around three people. After expanding and rewriting the article they republished it as Pain Mechanisms: a new theory in Science in 1965 where it drew wider attention, with mostly negative comments. [11]
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Ronald Melzack OC OQ FRSC (July 19, 1929 – December 22, 2019) was a Canadian psychologist and professor of psychology at McGill University. [1] [2] In 1965, he and Patrick David Wall re-charged pain research by introducing the gate control theory of pain.