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Updated: Aug 9, 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

[Do neonates and small infants feel pain?]

S A Hertel1

  • 1Børneafdelingen, Hillerød Sygehus, Hillerød.

Nordisk Medicin
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Infants and neonates perceive pain, but cannot communicate it. Accurate pain assessment in young children requires observer ratings and physiological measures to guide effective interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal pain perception
  • Neuroscience of pain in infants
  • Pediatric pain pathways

Context:

  • Infants and neonates possess pain pathways despite immaturity.
  • Pain responses in infants involve complex central modulating mechanisms.
  • Pain is subjective, posing challenges for non-verbal children.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the complexities of pain assessment in infants and neonates.
  • To emphasize the need for observer rating systems and physiological variables.
  • To underscore the importance of thorough pain assessment for effective intervention.

Summary:

  • Infants and neonates have the capacity for pain perception.
  • Pain assessment in children under three relies on observer ratings and physiological data.
  • Effective pain management requires accurate assessment, potentially through specialized pain services.

Impact:

  • Improved pain management strategies for infants and neonates.
  • Potential reduction of long-term negative effects of pain in early childhood.
  • Enhanced understanding of pain processing in immature nervous systems.

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