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Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
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The curse of relieving pain
Ahmad Said1, Alexandra Halalau1,2
1Internal Medicine, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 26, 2018
Summary
A woman experienced acute compartment syndrome after an overdose of pain medication and sedatives. Prompt fasciotomy saved her arm function, highlighting the risks of polypharmacy in chronic pain management.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- A 39-year-old female with chronic back pain, spinal hemangiomas, multiple malignancies, and depression presented after unresponsiveness.
- She reported recent overdose of oxycodone, alprazolam, lorazepam, diphenhydramine, and alcohol due to exacerbated pain.
Observation:
- Found unresponsive, later complained of right forearm pain, swelling, and decreased hand sensation.
- Initial examination revealed intact radial pulse but significantly elevated creatine kinase (4663 U/L).
Findings:
- Diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome of the right forearm was confirmed.
- Emergent forearm fasciotomy was performed to relieve pressure and restore blood flow.
Implications:
- Successful surgical intervention preserved full function of the affected arm.
- This case underscores the critical risks of polypharmacy and overdose in patients with chronic pain and multiple comorbidities.
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