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Gate Control Theory Reconsidered

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Brain and Mind

Abstract

It has been 35 years since the publicationMelzack and Wall's Gate Control Theory whichhypothesized that nociceptive information wassubject to dynamic regulation by mechanismslocated in the spinal cord dorsal horn thatcould ultimately lead to hyperalgesic orhypoalgesic states. This paper examines GateControl Theory in light of our currentunderstanding of the neuroanatomical,neurophysiological and neurochemical substratesof nociception and antinociception. Despiteits initial controversies, no one has proposeda more comprehensive overall theory of painmodulation or has successfully refuted most ofthe basic tenets of this theory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychology and Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, Peabody Building, Oxford, MS, 38677-1848, USA

    Kenneth J. Sufka

  2. Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32605, USA

    Donald D. Price

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  1. Kenneth J. Sufka
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  2. Donald D. Price
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Correspondence to Kenneth J. Sufka.

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Sufka, K.J., Price, D.D. Gate Control Theory Reconsidered. Brain and Mind 3, 277–290 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019996809849

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