scientists say some anaesthetics could actually worsen pain

[Amby 490]

Some general anaesthetics could actually worsen the pain following surgery, say scientists.

So-called "noxious" anaesthesia drugs - used commonly worldwide - stimulate nerves to cause irritation long after the operation is over.

The US research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, could prompt the choice of different drugs.

A UK expert said solving post-surgical pain was a priority for anaesthetists

Anaesthetists have known for some time that certain drugs, such as the gas isoflurane, while very effective at rendering and keeping patients unconscious, are actually irritant chemicals.

Some already use a painkilling drug to lessen this effect before delivering the anaesthetic itself.

The latest finding, by research staff at Georgetown University Medical Center however, suggests that effects of the irritant is not just short-lived, but lingers on long after both the painkiller and the anaesthetic have worn off.

The drugs act on the same receptors on nerve cells which are activated by contact with other irritants, such as garlic, mustard or chilli.

Mice bred without these receptors were unaffected by the "noxious" anaesthetic gases.

If strongly activated, these can lead not just to an immediate sensation of pain, but also a longer oversensitisation of pain pathways in the nervous system.

In patients, this might mean that the pain they feel after an operation is significantly increased.

Switching drugs

Dr Gerard Ahern, who led the study, said: "It was not really recognised that use of these drugs results in the release of lots of chemicals that recruit immune cells to the nerves, which causes more pain of inflammation.

"The choice of anaesthetic appears to be an important determinant of post-operative pain."

He said that while this effect could be reduced by using other types of anaesthetic, these might not perform as well in other ways.

Professor Ian Power, from the University of Edinburgh, said that post-operative pain remained a serious problem, despite advances in anaesthesia over the decades.

"We are very aware that acute post-operative pain can persist and become chronic and long-lasting, and we have been looking for reasons for that - perhaps this research may provide those.

"If this research were to be validated and proved correct, it would be fairly easy for anaesthetists to move from one type to another."

Professor Richard Langford, a consultant in anaesthesia and pain management at Bart's and The London NHS Trust, said that while the findings were interesting, there was no guarantee a similar effect would be detected in humans undergoing surgery.

"There are a myriad of different factors that combine to produce the experience of pain, including the degree and size of the surgery, and the mood or level of anxiety in the patient."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7468753.stm

[Nagishkaw 510]

That must explain why I get sicker than a dog after surgeries .

[Peikko 1,575]

I have a friend who suffers from chronic pain after undergoing dental surgery. I don't know if it is related to this, but it's acute and ongoing and I would hate to be in his shoes.

[Amby 490]

I felt really sick and dizzy for 3-4 days after I had my wisdom teeth pulled. I wasn't in any pain at all. I stopped taking the pain medicine after the first one made me puke.

[HAL 9000 96]

Saturate opioid receptors at pain-sensing neurons long enough and the clearance of these substances from the receptors will lead to an OVER-SENSITIZATION of the same receptors... hence more pain subsequently... when in fact its really an amplification of a very small stimulus.

Best bet here is to mix a small dose of the painkillers with relaxation techniques that release greater amounts of CNS pain modulators.

[Amby 490]

Saturate opioid receptors at pain-sensing neurons long enough and the clearance of these substances from the receptors will lead to an OVER-SENSITIZATION of the same receptors... hence more pain subsequently... when in fact its really an amplification of a very small stimulus.

Best bet here is to mix a small dose of the painkillers with relaxation techniques that release greater amounts of CNS pain modulators.

So how about mixing pain relievers with muscle relaxers?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

And by relaxation techniques, you're referring to a the infamous happy ending, correct?

[HAL 9000 96]

Saturate opioid receptors at pain-sensing neurons long enough and the clearance of these substances from the receptors will lead to an OVER-SENSITIZATION of the same receptors... hence more pain subsequently... when in fact its really an amplification of a very small stimulus.

Best bet here is to mix a small dose of the painkillers with relaxation techniques that release greater amounts of CNS pain modulators.

So how about mixing pain relievers with muscle relaxers?

Could be dangerous!!!!

I think you want to have the 'natural' painkillers that beta-enkephalin can give at the level of the brainstem and spinal chord...

And by relaxation techniques, you're referring to a the infamous happy ending, correct?

No those would be endorphins

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Whatever you say, college boy!

[HAL 9000 96]

Whatever you say, college boy!

[almaty 19]

Saturate opioid receptors at pain-sensing neurons long enough and the clearance of these substances from the receptors will lead to an OVER-SENSITIZATION of the same receptors... hence more pain subsequently... when in fact its really an amplification of a very small stimulus.

Best bet here is to mix a small dose of the painkillers with relaxation techniques that release greater amounts of CNS pain modulators.

So how about mixing pain relievers with muscle relaxers?

sister amber//well known on the streets ..for a high..etoh and muscle relaxer...dr. feelgood

[Amby 490]

Saturate opioid receptors at pain-sensing neurons long enough and the clearance of these substances from the receptors will lead to an OVER-SENSITIZATION of the same receptors... hence more pain subsequently... when in fact its really an amplification of a very small stimulus.

Best bet here is to mix a small dose of the painkillers with relaxation techniques that release greater amounts of CNS pain modulators.

So how about mixing pain relievers with muscle relaxers?

sister amber//well known on the streets ..for a high..etoh and muscle relaxer...dr. feelgood

I did it when I broke my ribs and I hear I was hilarious. Never again

[HAL 9000 96]