Demografske osobine ispitanika s kroničnom orofacijalnom boli i zdravih ispitanika iz Bjelovarsko-bilogorske županije
Demographic Features of Respondents with Chronic Orofacial Pain and Healthy Respondents from the Bjelovar-Bilogora County

Summary/Abstract: Medical science has significantly improved regarding pain control issues, yet this improvement has not been accompanied by improvement regarding objective methods of pain measurement according to the principles of evidence-based medicine. Pain is a complex experience, which, except for sensor factors, includes the emotional ones as well. A prerequisite for adequate pain treatment is proper assessment of pain character and intensity. Orofacial neuropathic pain causes serious suffering in patients, while due to a number of reasons, treatment options are limited. The objective of the conducted research was to determine the level of recognition of neuropathic pain as a specific clinical entity. The qualitative features of pain are evaluated based on the Leeds Pain Scale (LANSS), and the quantitative features thereof on the basis of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results have shown that in the qualitative respect, neuropathic orofacial pain clearly differs from other types of pain. By using standardised questionnaires, pain may be quantifi ed and compared. It is wished for the research results to raise the awareness of the professional and academic public regarding chronic neuropathic pain as a devastating disease causing serious suffering in patients, and to serve as an impetus for further research. They should furthermore serve as help in harmonising treatment algorithms issued by expert societies, as well as guidelines for prescribing medications by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund.

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