In this section
Does my loved one feel pain?
People with disorders of consciousness can experience pain, but they are not able to tell us about it due to their level of responsiveness. There are some signs that you may see that might suggest your loved one is in pain:
- Restlessness
- Crying
- Groaning
- Grimacing
Causes of Pain
Pain may occur for many reasons. Some causes of pain include:
- Uncomfortable positioning
- Spasticity
- Changes in the nerve signals in the brain following injury
- Other injuries suffered at the time of injury, such as a broken bone
- Pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis
- New medical conditions, such as a blood clot or new skin ulcer.
It is important to talk to the doctor if you think your loved one is having pain.
What are some treatments for pain?
It is important to identify the cause of pain, because treatment of pain is focused on treating the underlying cause. Some things that can be done at home that may ease your loved one’s pain include:
- Change your loved one’s position in the bed or the wheelchair
- Adjust or remove splints and braces for short periods of time
- Use ice or heat ... but with extreme caution since they can cause skin damage
- Under a treating doctor's guidance, use pain medications if necessary. It is recommended to start with a low dose and use options that are less likely to cause sedation (sleepiness), if possible.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than three months. Many people with severe TBI endure chronic pain. It can be a source of ongoing stress to your loved one's body, so please seek help from their doctor if your believe your loved one is experiencing chronic pain. You can learn more about chronic pain and TBI below:
Traumatic Brain Injury and Chronic Pain
From Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
Information and tips on treating chronic pain that may exist after having a traumatic brain injury (TBI)