Central hyperalgesia refers to which of the following?

Central hyperalgesia refers to which of the following?

• A. Peripheral sensitization of nociceptors.
• B. Central sensitization of dorsal horn neurons after injury.
• C. Sensitization of the thalamus.
• D. Decreased pain perception.

Answer: (B)

Central hyperalgesia occurs when central nervous system pain pathways become more excitable after injury. This central sensitization primarily involves dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord, which after injury respond more strongly to input and can amplify pain beyond the injury site. The result is heightened pain to normally noxious stimuli and, sometimes, pain from stimuli that aren’t painful (allodynia) in surrounding areas. This contrasts with peripheral sensitization, where nociceptors in the injured tissue lower their threshold and drive pain at the injury site. Sensitization of the thalamus can contribute to pain processing, but central hyperalgesia specifically refers to enhanced excitability at the spinal dorsal horn level. Decreased pain perception does not fit.

Central hyperalgesia occurs when central nervous system pain pathways become more excitable after injury. This central sensitization primarily involves dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord, which after injury respond more strongly to input and can amplify pain beyond the injury site. The result is heightened pain to normally noxious stimuli and, sometimes, pain from stimuli that aren’t painful (allodynia) in surrounding areas. This contrasts with peripheral sensitization, where nociceptors in the injured tissue lower their threshold and drive pain at the injury site. Sensitization of the thalamus can contribute to pain processing, but central hyperalgesia specifically refers to enhanced excitability at the spinal dorsal horn level. Decreased pain perception does not fit.