52. Pain Control for People with Cancer and AIDS

Pain is classified according to two main characteristics: temporal and physiologic. Temporal categories are

• acute pain

  • characterized by a well-defined onset and self-limited end

  • allows clear description of location, character, and timing

  • shows signs of autonomic nervous system hyperactivity—for example, tachycardia, hypertension, profuse sweating (diaphoresis), dilated pupils (mydriasis), or pallor

• chronic or persistent pain

  • long lasting, usually defined as at least three months

  • characterized by a localization, character, and timing that is often more vague than with acute pain

  • characterized by adaptation of the autonomic nervous system, so signs of hyperactivity disappear

  • results in significant changes in psychological, functional, and social status.

Physiologic pain categories are

• somatic pain

  • originates in ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, and nerves

  • sharp or dull, but typically well localized and intermittent

• visceral pain

  • originates in body organs and results from activation of nociceptive receptors and efferent nerves

  • characterized by deep aching and cramping, often referred to cutaneous sites

• neuropathic pain

  • results from direct injury to peripheral receptors, nerves, or the central nervous system

  • typically burning and dysesthetic (abnormal and unpleasant), often in area of sensory loss.

Source: Authors.