preemptive analgesia


preemptive analgesia

Sensory blockade before incision Anesthesiology A pain control strategy intended to counteract central sensitization–'windup' or neuroplasticity, a 'physiologic' state of ↑ sensitization of excitable spinal neurons, coupled to a ↓ threshold for peripheral afferent pain terminals; PA combines local anesthetics, neuraxial blockade, and inhibition of mediators of windup to prevent self-perpetuating pain. See NMDA receptor antagonist, Windup. Cf Multimodality pain control.

preemptive analgesia

The administration of anesthetic before surgery in an attempt to abort postoperative pain and disability. See also: analgesia