Why the change?

[Barrett Dorko]

When Melzack "simplified" the pain neuromatrix Venn diagram he took a few things out (especially "trigger points" for which I'm very grateful) and this was to be expected.

But he also changed the lower left side of the model from Motivational-Affective to Emotion Related.

I think this could use some discussion, especially since I'm going to lecturing on the change before long and I'd like to sound like I know what I'm talking about.

Any thoughts on this?

[Diane]

I take it to mean the internal regulation system. Spinal cord, brainstem, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdalae, insular and anterior cingulate cortices. All the stuff that maintains the organism, keeps the heart beating, lungs breathing, puts us to sleep, wakes us up, and makes us "feel" stuff, and by that I do not mean in the haptic sense but rather in the emotional or motivational sense.

[Barrett Dorko]

Diane,

I had to wait nearly 20 minutes for that response. Do you think I have all day? (ha, ha)

I also had to Google "haptic" but now I can act as if I always knew what it was.

Anyway, thanks. I think I can fashion a comment from that.

[zimney3pt]

It is possible within the literature that the term emotion related regulation is more common then motivational-affective in current circles. I would agree with Diane about the areas included in this input area.

I wonder if it is just a case like what Moseley talked about in the recent GMI Handbook. Some call it Neurotags, others may use neurosignature while still others cortical representations. Different words all meaning the same thing, just depends what circle of people you might be talking with. He also talks about use of left/right judgments or implicit motor imagery should technically be used instead of laterality, but laterality recognition is "in" so that is what you will probably hear it referred to in many circles of conversation.

This is just a guess, there may be a more distinct reason for the change.

[John W]

The word "emotion" subsumes "motivation" and "affective" in one swipe, and it's more recognizable while being less technical-sounding.

Therefore, it is not only simpler, but it's more minimal, as all good scientists strive to be.

And, yes, I have used the term "subsume" twice today. That's a personal best, I'm sure.

[Gil Haight]

Barrett,
I think everyone is right on with their responses. Emotion is in Merskey's definition "Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience..." The idea of e.motion as efferent activity is a central point in my lecture in Tampa this weekend.
It is noteworthy that Melzak says emotion related. After all it is on the L side of the diagram.
Gil

[Diane]

Diane,

I had to wait nearly 20 minutes for that response. Do you think I have all day? (ha, ha)

I also had to Google "haptic" but now I can act as if I always knew what it was.

Anyway, thanks. I think I can fashion a comment from that.

I have a good picture of it, if you're interested.

I love the word "subsume"...

[Barrett Dorko]

I would subsume that pictures are always welcome.

[Gil Haight]

I meant to say L side of the diagram. I edited original
Gil

[Barrett Dorko]

Thanks Gil. I was wondering.

When do you leave for Tampa?

[Gil Haight]

Barrett,
We're getting there Thurs. eve. I'll be looking for contacts on Friday. Maybe Pam White will be there. As you can see no one on this site has indicated any interest, but I'm not taking it personally and will certainly be promoting the work here because I believe it is so valuable. I'll let you know how it goes.
Gil

[Barrett Dorko]

Great to hear Gil.

Somebody from here has to be there. Please let us know what you can.

[Diane]

Here you are Barrett. I usually use this image on the same slide as the image from Ossipov depicting the descending modulation system. They are nearly identical. Ossipov's image has the rostral centers added. I compare the two to show people they are mostly the exact same thing.