Residency Curriculum Modules: Traumatic Brain Injury with Nathan Zasler, MD-Pain Assessment and Management After Traumatic Brain Injury

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Nathan Zasler discusses pain assessment and management after traumatic brain injury (TBI). He covers multiple topics including pain pathophysiology, common pain disorders associated with TBI, pain assessment strategies, pain testing options, and pain management principles. Dr. Zasler emphasizes the importance of a thorough differential diagnosis in order to identify specific pain generators and tailor treatment accordingly. He also highlights the extensive impact of pain on various aspects of a person's life, including cognition, behavior, and quality of life. The video mentions different measures and techniques available for pain assessment, including physical examination, multidimensional scales, electrophysiological testing, and neuroimaging. Dr. Zasler also discusses pain management approaches, such as starting with non-pharmacologic interventions and gradually escalating to pharmacologic options as needed. He advises caution in prescribing opiates and encourages the consideration of counseling interventions for chronic pain. Overall, the video underscores the complex nature of pain assessment and management after TBI and highlights the need for a comprehensive and individualized approach.

Keywords

pain assessment

pain management

traumatic brain injury

pain pathophysiology

pain disorders

differential diagnosis