How does the pain threshold change with age? Overall, multiple studies analyzed through a meta-analysis have shown that pain threshold generally increases with age. In studying the effect of stimulus-specific pain, as it affects the pain threshold in the elderly, an increase in pain threshold with age was noted for non-noxious stimuli; however, there was …
What is the pathophysiology of pain in the elderly? Although the pathophysiology of pain in the older patient continues to be studied, there are some known physiologic changes in both pain signaling and perception that influence pain in the elder population. First, there are age-related functional and structural changes to the peripheral nerves. Many studies …
What are the challenges to effective pain management in the elderly? The effective treatment of pain in the elder population is multifactorial, and barriers/challenges exist at many levels from the patients themselves, health care professionals, to the health care system. Patient Barriers: Many elder patients have the misconception that pain is untreatable and a normal part …
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Why is there a growing need for pain management in elder population? Traditionally, pain was believed to be an inevitable consequence of aging; however, this thought process has changed. Currently, pain in the elder population often remains undiagnosed and undertreated—50% of older patients in the community and 80% of nursing home residents report chronic daily …
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using topical medications? Advantages of Topical Medications: Here are some advantages of using topical medications: It’s important to note that the advantages of using topical medications may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the characteristics of the medication. It’s always recommended to consult with a …
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What are the various topical formulations available for the treatment of pain? Topical pain medications can be taken as both a prescription and nonprescription (e.g., over-the-counter [OTC]) drugs. Prescription topical pain preparations are administered as a patch or a cream. For example, the lidocaine patch has an adhesive material containing the active ingredient applied to …
How is a topical medication different from a transdermal drug? Topical and transdermal medications both involve application to the skin, but they differ in purpose, mechanism, and systemic effects. Key Differences: Topical vs. Transdermal Drugs Feature Topical Medication Transdermal Drug Purpose Local effect (on the skin or just below it) Systemic effect (throughout the body) …
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