Effects of Drugs
The Effects of Selected Drugs and Diseases on the Central Nervous System
Kayla Beard
Itt-Tech
Abstract
The impact of drugs on the central nervous system is very interesting. Choosing a medical field that uses different pain medications is very common. In this paper you will learn how certain medications will affect the central nervous system.
The Effects of Selected Drugs and Diseases on the Central Nervous System
The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for all behavior, memory, perceptions, and movements. The sensory function is what is telling your brain to feel pain. Different sensory fibers release chemicals that tells your brain how bad the pain is and how to react to it. Nociceptors are pain receptors that are released whenever there has been an injury. Pain medications work against nociceptors to stop pain. (1)
Alcohol has been used as a painkiller for centuries. Alcohol depresses the CNS by slowing down the brain and nervous system therefore it gives minor relief from pain. (2) Alcohol can be used as an injection into or around a nerve in the spine. This is called a nerve block. Nerve blocks are used to determine the source of pain, treat painful conditions, predict how pain will respond to long-term treatments, or for anesthesia during some smaller procedures. (3)
Aspirin is used for minor aches and pains. Aspirin is in a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Once aspirin is dissolved into the bloodstream it attaches to an enzyme called COX-2. COX-2 produces chemicals called prostaglandins that allow your body to feel pain. Aspirin prevents prostaglandins from working. Aspirin is also used to prevent heart attaches and prevent blood clots from forming. (4)
Lidocaine is known as a local anaesthetic drug. Lidocaine works by easily binding and blocking the fast voltage gated sodium (Na+) channels to be found both on the heart cardiomyocytes and in the
Kayla Beard
Itt-Tech
Abstract
The impact of drugs on the central nervous system is very interesting. Choosing a medical field that uses different pain medications is very common. In this paper you will learn how certain medications will affect the central nervous system.
The Effects of Selected Drugs and Diseases on the Central Nervous System
The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for all behavior, memory, perceptions, and movements. The sensory function is what is telling your brain to feel pain. Different sensory fibers release chemicals that tells your brain how bad the pain is and how to react to it. Nociceptors are pain receptors that are released whenever there has been an injury. Pain medications work against nociceptors to stop pain. (1)
Alcohol has been used as a painkiller for centuries. Alcohol depresses the CNS by slowing down the brain and nervous system therefore it gives minor relief from pain. (2) Alcohol can be used as an injection into or around a nerve in the spine. This is called a nerve block. Nerve blocks are used to determine the source of pain, treat painful conditions, predict how pain will respond to long-term treatments, or for anesthesia during some smaller procedures. (3)
Aspirin is used for minor aches and pains. Aspirin is in a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Once aspirin is dissolved into the bloodstream it attaches to an enzyme called COX-2. COX-2 produces chemicals called prostaglandins that allow your body to feel pain. Aspirin prevents prostaglandins from working. Aspirin is also used to prevent heart attaches and prevent blood clots from forming. (4)
Lidocaine is known as a local anaesthetic drug. Lidocaine works by easily binding and blocking the fast voltage gated sodium (Na+) channels to be found both on the heart cardiomyocytes and in the
References: 1. Erica Jacques, July 21, 2009 “How do we feel pain?” http://pain.about.com/od/whatischronicpain/a/feeling_pain.htm 2. Author and date unknown “Using Alcohol to Stop Pain can Be Dangerous” http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/heal/a/aa082097.ht 3. Author and date unknown, “Nerve Block for Pain Relief” http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nerve-block-for-pain-relief 4. Algra, Annemijn M; Rothwell, Peter M (2012). "Effects of regular aspirin on long-term cancer incidence and metastasis: A systematic comparison of evidence from observational studies versus randomised trials". The Lancet Oncology 13 (5): 518–27. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70112-2. PMID 22440112 5. Maurizio Vono, January 17, 2011 “Lidocaine” http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/info/3239 6. Author unknown, June 26, 2011 “How Does Morphine work To Kill Pain?” http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/questions/question/3099/ 7. Kare Rodgers, date unknown “Ketamine” http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1275413/ketamine 8. Lee, C; Katz R. (2009). "Clinical implications of new neuromuscular concepts and agents: So long, neostigmine! So long, sux!". J Crit Care 24 (1): 43–9. PMID 19272538