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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
09:18

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants

Published on: December 20, 2011

[Pain and pain relief in neonates and infants]

T W Hansen1

  • 1Neonatalseksjonen, Barneklinikken, Rikshospitalet, Oslo.

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|November 10, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Newborns and premature infants can feel pain, just like older children and adults. Pain management with analgesics is often necessary for sick infants in intensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Explores the neuroanatomical and physiological underpinnings of nociception.
  • Focuses on pain perception in neonatal and infant populations.

Context:

  • Highlights that pain is experienced by neonates, including premature infants.
  • Emphasizes that painful procedures affect newborns similarly to older individuals.
  • Sick infants in intensive care settings are particularly vulnerable to pain.

Purpose:

  • To review the developmental basis of nociception in infants.
  • To underscore the need for pain assessment and management in neonates.
  • To discuss appropriate analgesic strategies and dosages for infants.

Summary:

  • Infants possess the anatomical and physiological capacity for nociception from birth.
  • Painful stimuli elicit responses in newborns and premature infants.
  • Effective pain relief using analgesics is crucial for critically ill infants.

Impact:

  • Informs clinical practice regarding pain management in neonatal intensive care.
  • Provides guidance on the selection and dosing of analgesics for infants.
  • Contributes to improving the quality of care for vulnerable infant populations.

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