[Can facilitation of nociceptive transmission be prevented?].

The sensitization of the central nervous system secondary to nociceptive stimuli is a recent concept. This report reviews the available data about sensitization in animals and man, its mechanisms, and possible techniques of prevention which have been described as preemptive analgesia. The multiple studies have shown that sensitization occurs but is a continuous phenomenon. This continuous phenomenon, partially dependent of the peripheral inputs, can be prevented by some drugs but the modalities and the efficacy of these techniques are still debated.