[Chronic pain and cognitive changes, a little-known association].
Chronic pain can induce changes in cognitive processes. The neurophysiological mechanisms involved are unclear, but the data suggest a mechanism independent of pain intensity and etiology but related to the type of pain and the time it has been chronic. Patients suffer from the cognitive changes, or at least attentional and concentration problems, as well as from the consequent handicap and life changes due to the pain, which limits or modifies their capacity to react appropriately to the pain and the challenges of daily life. The possible existence of significantly impaired cognitive processing should be taken into account during the assessment of chronic pain and in initiating therapeutic strategies.
Mick
Gérard
G
Centre d'evaluation et traitement de la douleur, Hôpital neurologique, Hospices civils de Lyon (69). ge.mick@wanadoo.fr
Labeye
Catherine
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales