NCS Pain Management in Neurology

Question 1

What is neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nervous system itself

Answer

Neuropathic pain results from nerve damage and is described as burning, shooting, or electric shock-like.

Question 2

What is the difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptive pain results from tissue damage; neuropathic pain results from nerve damage

Answer

Nociceptive pain has a clear tissue injury source, while neuropathic pain arises from nervous system dysfunction.

Question 3

What is central sensitization?

Accepted Answer

Amplification of neural signaling within the CNS causing pain hypersensitivity

Answer

Central sensitization increases pain processing in the spinal cord and brain, making normal stimuli painful.

Question 4

What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)?

Accepted Answer

A non-invasive pain management technique using electrical currents through skin electrodes

Answer

TENS delivers low-voltage electrical currents to modulate pain signals through the gate control theory.

Question 5

What pharmacological options exist for neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

Anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin), antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine), and topical agents

Answer

First-line medications for neuropathic pain include anticonvulsants and certain antidepressants rather than traditional analgesics.

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test