Thersilla Oberbarnscheidt
Central Michigan University, USA
Title: Mechanisms of pain and opioid pharmacology
Biography
Biography: Thersilla Oberbarnscheidt
Abstract
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a very common consequence of pain management with opioids. Characteristics of OIH
are worsening pain over time despite an increased dose of the opioid. It is oft en recognized neither by the physician nor the
patient, and it results in increasing doses of opioid medications and continued unsatisfying pain levels experienced by the patient. Th e
increased use of narcotics has a negative impact on patient outcome, as patients suff er from increased pain levels and oft en develop
depression. Patients with OIH require frequent assessment for aberrant behaviors as an indicator of addictive use. Opioid-seeking
behavior may complicate the clinical picture of failed opioid therapy. Th e treatment of OIH is to discontinue the opioid medication
and to treat the patient’s withdrawal symptoms, if necessary, in an inpatient setting with medical monitoring.