Ethical Implications: Pain, Coma, and Related Disorders

Introduction of drugs (colloquially known as painkillers) used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems; they include paracetamol (acetaminophen), the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol, and various others. Functional neuroimaging – The use of neuroimaging technology to measure an aspect of brain function, often with a view to understanding the relationship between activity in certain brain areas and specific mental functions. Hydranencephaly – A type of cephalic disorder. This is a rare condition in which the cerebral hemispheres are absent and replaced by sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Opiates – Named so because they are constituents or derivatives of constituents found in opium. The major biologically active opiates found in opium are morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine. Pain – Defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with real or potential tissue damage. Primary somatosensory area – In the human cortex it is located in the postcentral gyrus (parietal lobe). It is the location of the primary somatosensory cortex, the main sensory receptive area for the sense of touch. Sedative – A substance that depresses the central nervous system, resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of anxiety,