Morphine differentially affects the sensory and affective pain ratings in neurogenic and idiopathic forms of pain.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study, the effect of morphine on the affective and sensory pain ratings in different forms of chronic pain was investigated. Six patients suffering from central neurogenic pain, 8 from peripheral neurogenic pain and 6 from idiopathic pain participated in the study. Morphine (0.3 mg/kg bodyweight) and placebo (saline) were administered intravenously. Both the affective and sensory dimensions of pain sensation were assessed by means of the 101-point rating scale. From our results it appeared that morphine reduced the affective but not the sensory dimension of pain sensation in both groups of neurogenic pain patients. In the idiopathic pain group, neither the affective nor the sensory dimension of pain sensation were affected. The observed differences in opioid responsiveness were neither the result of differences in opioid consumption nor of differences in baseline pain levels.
Kupers
Ron C
RC
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Louvain, 3-3000 LouiainBelgium Department of Anesthesiology, University of Antwerp, B-2610 WilrijkBelgium.
Konings
Herman
H
Adriaensen
Hugo
H
Gybels
Jan M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications
D009020:Morphine