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Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
12:20

Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior

Published on: June 10, 2013

Differences in pain perception in children reporting joint and orofacial muscle pain

T C Chaves1, H Martins Nagamine, L Mêlo de Sousa

  • 1Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo--USP. chavestc@fmrp.usp.br

The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|July 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Manual palpation (MP) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessments revealed distinct orofacial pain patterns in children. Mixed pain groups showed heightened sensitivity, suggesting potential central sensitization.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Pain Perception Research
  • Orofacial Pain Management

Background:

  • Orofacial pain is common in children, impacting quality of life.
  • Understanding pain perception differences is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Limited research exists on pain assessment methods in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess orofacial pain perception in community-based children.
  • To evaluate pressure pain threshold (PPT) and manual palpation (MP) for pain intensity.
  • To differentiate pain characteristics in various pediatric orofacial pain groups.

Main Methods:

  • 100 children (aged 7-12) were assessed using algometry for PPT and MP for pain intensity.
  • Children were categorized into groups based on reported pain types (joint, muscle, mastication, or no pain).
  • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare pain intensity and PPT across groups.

Main Results:

  • Higher pain intensity was noted in temporalis muscle via MP for joint pain, joint and muscle pain, and joint pain groups.
  • Lower PPT values were observed in the masseter, temporalis muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and thenar region for the joint and muscle pain group.
  • Manual palpation differentiated symptomatic from symptom-free temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subjects more effectively.

Conclusions:

  • Manual palpation (MP) is effective in distinguishing symptomatic from asymptomatic TMD in children.
  • Pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements are sensitive indicators for orofacial pain discrimination.
  • Widespread sensory changes in children with mixed pain suggest possible central sensitization mechanisms.
Abstract

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