Age ‐related differences in the acute pain facial expression during infancy

ConclusionsFacial expressions illustrating intense/moderate distress and sensory overload were prominent in the first 15  s at the 2‐, 4‐ and 6‐month vaccination. However, expressions showing regulation of distress occurred progressively earlier over 1 min post‐needle in older infants, suggesting a significant shift in regulatory capacity of pain‐related distress occurs after 6‐months of age.SignificanceAn important developmental milestone was identified in infants' ability to regulate distress at 6  months. Supporting parents' infant pain management is particularly critical in the first months of life as infants' initial facial expressions appear to be more reflective of an organism overwhelmed by distress.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research