The experience of pain following Acquired Brain Injury can increase the risk of pressure ulcer development including headache, neurogenic pain, pain arising from spasticity etc. Pain may cause the person to be reluctant to move or lead to reduced cooperation with support for movement. The person may be reluctant to lie or sit on a painful area of the body leading to them favouring one position in order to reduce discomfort thus increasing risk of pressure ulcer development. It is important that measures to address pain are implemented following expert medical advice. Strategies may include:
- The use of a pain assessment tool.
- Prescription of appropriate medication, using alternative routes of administration if necessary to suit individual needs.
- Consideration of alternative methods of pain relief e.g. application of heat/cold, re-positioning, exercise (passive and/or active), diversionary activities, Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
- Identify source of pain or any environmental factors contributing to pain e.g. noise, bright lights, physical discomfort, inappropriate equipment (mattresses, chairs, cushions etc).
- Monitor effectiveness of pain relieving measure.
