Traumatic brain injury and pain

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2006 May;17(2):473-90, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2005.11.007.

Abstract

The co-occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pain is quite frequent and presents a number of challenges to the medical practitioner. The distinct nature and extent of these challenges calls for considering the co-existence of TBI and pain a unique medical entity. Clearly, from a research standpoint, the area is in its infancy. The clinician is often left with adapting standard techniques effective for evaluating and treating pain in patients without TBI. Such adaptations require a readiness to recognize how pain affects the presence and course of TBI-related symptoms and, in turn, how TBI symptoms affect the presence and course of pain. Given the myriad factors that can affect outcome, effective evaluation and treatment of this co-occurring problem need to rely on a biopsychosocial model, which encourages consideration of a broad perspective of possible causes and care approaches as well as use of multiple disciplines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Headache / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Muscle Spasticity / rehabilitation*
  • Pain Clinics
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Analgesics