Pain Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology, LSUHSC School of Nursing, 2019-2023
Learning Objectives
- Explain the differences between hyperalgesia and allodynia. How does each differ from the normal pain response?
- Describe the characteristics that define different types of pain (nocicpetive vs. neuropathic, somatic vs. visceral, etc.). Understand the classifications of pain and be able to identify clinical presentations associated with each.
- Define pain tolerance and pain threshold and understand what influences each. Which one of these corresponds to when a patient will feel pain vs. when they will seek out medication?
- Describe basic pain signaling mechanisms. What are the differences between A-delta fibers and C fibers? Explain why perturbations to this pathway affect pain detection.
- Explain the differences between the underlying causes of nociceptive vs. neuropathic pain.
- Compare and contrast the causes and triggers of primary vs. secondary headache.
- Describe the different autonomic responses between acute and chronic pain. What are the psychological components of each? Which is associated with more psychological components? Which is associated with more autonomic responses?
Learning objectives are broken down into the 4 C's of Pathophysiology: Clinical Manifestations, Causes, Consequences, & Collateral. Students' understanding of these objectives are periodically measured throughout the lecture with key concept check ins.
Representative Qualitative Course Evaluations
"Great instructor, explains concepts thoroughly, lectures are clear and organized." -Fall 2020
"Awesome lecture and supportive materials. Her case study questions really helped relate the material to how we will be using it. Super easy and straight forward." -Spring 2020
"I especially appreciated Mx. Cucinello's consistency in returning to the learning outcomes during the lecture. Their organization and clarity of expectations was helpful." - Spring 2021
"Great job! The instructor highlighted the important concepts with thorough explanation." -Spring 2022
"Dr. Cucinello was an effective instructor. She was able to explain her topics with real life examples and could answer any question." -Fall 2022
"Awesome lecture and supportive materials. Her case study questions really helped relate the material to how we will be using it. Super easy and straight forward." -Spring 2020
"I especially appreciated Mx. Cucinello's consistency in returning to the learning outcomes during the lecture. Their organization and clarity of expectations was helpful." - Spring 2021
"Great job! The instructor highlighted the important concepts with thorough explanation." -Spring 2022
"Dr. Cucinello was an effective instructor. She was able to explain her topics with real life examples and could answer any question." -Fall 2022
