"Unmasking Pain: From Receptors to Relief through Bridging Mechanisms and Care," Neurology Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Holds Guest Lecture with International and National Experts

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• Kamis, 11 Juni 2026
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"Unmasking Pain: From Receptors to Relief through Bridging Mechanisms and Care," Neurology Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Holds Guest Lecture with International and National Experts

Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical help, yet it remains a challenge in clinical practice due to the complex and multidimensional biological mechanisms involved. To deepen our understanding of pain mechanisms and the latest developments in treatment, the Neurology Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University (FK UNUD), in collaboration with Prof. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, held a guest lecture titled "UNMASKING PAIN: From Receptors to Relief through Bridging Mechanisms and Care," held at the A.A. Made Djelantik Auditorium, 4th Floor, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Prof. Dr. dr. I Gede Eka Wiratnaya, Sp.O.T., Subsp. Onk. Ort. R(K), who in his remarks emphasized the importance of understanding the basic mechanisms of pain as a foundation for providing optimal, evidence-based healthcare services. Next, Dr. dr. I Putu Eka Widyadharma, M.Sc., Sp.N, Subsp.NN(K), FMIN, Coordinator of the Neurology Specialist Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, delivered remarks. He stated that this activity was part of an effort to improve the quality of neurology education and services in Indonesia.

This academic event featured international pain expert Prof. Paul Glare AM from the University of Sydney, who reviewed the challenges and current approaches to managing chronic pain in the general population and the elderly. The event also featured national pain expert Dr. dr. Jimmy Fransisco Abadinta Barus, M.Sc., Sp.N, who encouraged a re-understanding of how the aging process affects the perception, processing, and response to pain in the elderly population.

In the guest lecture, Prof. Paul Glare AM presented on chronic pain, geriatric pain, and neuropathic pain in Australian practice, reviewing the challenges and current approaches to managing chronic pain in both the general population and the elderly.

In his presentation, Prof. Glare explained that chronic pain is a complex health problem and requires a multidimensional approach. He stated that successful therapy is determined not only by pharmacological treatment but also by an understanding of the biological, psychological, social, and functional factors that influence each individual's pain experience.

Geriatric pain was a key focus of the guest lecture. Prof. Glare highlighted that the elderly population has distinct characteristics compared to other age groups, including multimorbidity, concurrent use of multiple medications (polypharmacy), and physiological changes that can influence response to pain therapy.

Furthermore, Prof. Glare also discussed neuropathic pain, pain arising from lesions or disorders of the somatosensory nervous system. He explained that neuropathic pain is often difficult to recognize and treat because it has different characteristics from nociceptive pain. Symptoms such as burning sensations, electric shocks, tingling, and hypersensitivity to mild stimuli require specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Through various case examples from clinical practice in Australia, Prof. Glare explained the importance of early identification of neuropathic pain and the use of pain mechanism-based therapies to achieve optimal outcomes. He also emphasized the crucial role of patient education and a multidisciplinary approach in successful long-term pain management.

According to Dr. Jimmy, understanding pain mechanisms in the elderly is increasingly important because chronic pain is often associated with decreased physical function, sleep disturbances, depression, decreased independence, and an increased risk of frailty in older adults.

He further explained that pain assessment in geriatric patients often presents challenges, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairment, dementia, or communication limitations. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to understand various appropriate assessment methods to prevent pain from being overlooked or under-treated. In addition to discussing neurobiological changes in the aging brain, this guest lecture also reviewed pain management strategies in the elderly, including pharmacological approaches that consider pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes due to aging, as well as various non-pharmacological interventions that play a crucial role in improving patient function and quality of life.

The guest lecture was moderated by Dr. dr. Ida Ayu Sri Wijayanti, M.Biomed., Sp.N, Subsp.NN(K) and attended by specialist physicians, students, and students.

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