Dictionary of Biological Psychology
Pain is normally produced by activation of receptors (see NOCICEPTORS) in the periphery. Central pain is a form of pain that is associated with the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM directly, there being no external sensory input driving the sensation of pain.
It is found following damage in the systems associated with the transmission of pain (see PAIN for a description of these) most notably the THALAMUS. Since the management of chronic pain is a major problem for medicine, surgeons have tried, in extreme cases, making a LESION at various levels of the brain. But even in cases where this has provided an initial relief from pain, it almost inevitably returns, often worse than before. Spontaneous lesions may also generate central pain: STROKE damage in the thalamus may produce this.
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