The Neurobiology of Pain

Whether from the sharp bite of a stubbed toe, the dull throb of an aching muscle, or progressive disease discomfort, pain acts as a natural defense mechanism to protect both humans and animals. It is critical for survival. Pain also serves as a warning against repetitive, harmful behaviors. It's a signal to seek attention and relief, since uncontrolled pain can have chronic and debilitating consequences. This course introduces basic pain concepts, pain pathways, and their underlying neurobiology. Topics will incorporate diagnosis, symptoms and presentation, and treatment using pain experts across the medical field-- such as physicians, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists. The course will introduce scientists and clinical researchers, and highlights from their work.