Pain in Persons with Disorders of Consciousness

Brain Sciences

Nathan D. Zasler¹  Marta Aloisi²  Rita Formisano² 

[1] Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, LTD, Henrico, VA 23233, USA;IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy;

关键词: disorders of consciousness;    pain;    suffering;    severe brain injury;    ethics;    pathophysiology;   

DOI  :  10.3390/brainsci12030300

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Pain and suffering in persons with disorders of consciousness (DoC) remain poorly understood, frequently unaddressed or inadequately addressed, and controversial on numerous levels. This narrative literature review will address a number of critical issues germane to pain and suffering in this challenging group of patients, providing an introductory overview of the topic, perspectives on current knowledge regarding pain pathoanatomy and pathophysiology, and a review of common pain generators and factors that can lead to the chronifcation of pain. Caveats on bedside pain assessment challenges, as well as electrophysiologic and neuroimaging findings in these patients, will also be explored. Pain management techniques, including non-pharmacological and pharmacological, will be reviewed. Ethical considerations in the context of pain and suffering in persons with disorders of consciousness will round out the review prior to our concluding comments.

【 授权许可】

Unknown