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Pain Amplification Syndromes
What is pain amplification syndrome?
Pain amplification syndrome, also called amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS), is an umbrella for non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. Pain amplification syndrome is a medical condition where a child develops abnormal pain sensitivity. This occurs when the nervous system registers and processes normal sensations from movement and environmental experiences as pain signals. Pain amplification syndrome is commonly seen in childhood and adolescence and commonly affects pre-adolescent and adolescent girls between the ages of 11 – 15.
What are the symptoms of amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome?
The most common symptoms of amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome include:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain that can’t be explained
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Memory deficits
- Palpitations
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Changes to the skin, including colour, temperature and texture
- Diarrhoea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- A painful sensation in response to non-painful touch
- Conversion symptoms may occur, including extremity shaking, non-epileptic seizures, paralysis and conversion gait.
What are the treatment options for pain amplification syndrome?
The main goal of pain amplification syndrome treatment is to help return the child back to their normal daily function by easing pain, restoring normal sleep and mood, as well as reducing the negative impact that the pain syndrome may have on health-related quality of life. Pain amplification syndrome treatment includes cognitive behavioural therapy, physical and occupational therapy. Pain medication may also be prescribed to help ease and treat pain.
Pain and the associated symptoms normally get worse before getting better. The child’s ability to perform normal daily tasks usually returns before the pain resolves. Stress management is also required to provide daily opportunities to unwind and to deal with stress due to pain, school and all sorts of other normal things. Often, children who have continued pain have not fully addressed the stress component.
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The Soul is healed by being with children.
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What is a paediatric rheumatologist?
A paediatric rheumatologist is a doctor that cares for children and adolescents with medical conditions such as inflammatory and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune inflammatory diseases include juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile Idiopathic arthritis, vasculitis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematous and periodic fever syndromes. Non-inflammatory diseases include chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes, juvenile hypermobility and growing pains.
