Acute verses Chronic Pain ◦Acute pain = nociceptive pain ◦Chronic pain = persistent pain ◦Acute pain is “a warning signal to the body that something is wrong or needs attention” (St. Marie, B. 2010 p. 11). Key features: Follows an acute injury to the body (Recent onset) Abates as healing occurs (short duration: 6 months or less) Autonomic response (sympathetic) usually present (protective mechanism): hypertension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, shallow respirations, agitation/restlessness, facial grimace, splinting/guarding behavior, pallor, mydriasis Focus of treatment is on the cause of pain *acute pain can evolve into chronic pain Peripheral nociceptors are involved in transmission of sensation
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 01:19:33 +0000
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