Numerous improvements in our understanding of the mechanisms that
underlie neuropathic pain states have come from the development of
animal models, most of which involve partial peripheral nerve injury.
The animal models have shown that nerve injury initiates a cascade of
events resulting in altered neurochemistry and molecular biology of the
peripheral neurons, the dorsal root ganglion cell, and changes in
neurotransmitter and receptor expression in the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord. Moreover, nerve injury produces anatomical changes with
functional consequences.
This volume summarises the current understanding of the
pathophysiological processes in the peripheral and central nervous
system that contribute to the neuropathic pain. It provides a timely
review of neuropathic pain mechanisms, written by experts in the field.