Your child’s primary physician will help assess for new problems when your child remains irritable and appears to be in pain. A complex care clinician can consider more complex reasons when symptoms occur or continue. Complex care and palliative care clinicians can bring expertise in causes of persistent pain that are due to the altered nervous system, and review treatment strategies for these problems. A pain specialist can diagnose and treat many different causes of pain. Some families may wish to consider homeopathic supports, such as acupuncture or massage. The specialists can advise on these.
Irritability and Pain
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Managing irritability is a complicated task, especially in a child who has limited capacity to communicate with words. Irritability often suggests pain or other physical discomfort caused by the onset of new symptoms or a reaction to a medication or dosage change. Irritability can also be a symptom of boredom or frustration. Dementia also can cause irritability. Certain causes of pain can be identified and treated. However, some pain with SNI is caused by signals that come from an impaired nervous system. Pain medications can reduce these signals, but because the pain messages are not connected to a problem that can be resolved, irritability may persist.
Adapting to Diagnosis
Collecting information, care and support as issues emerge for your child and your journey begins.
Building Strengths
Maximizing your child’s core skills and family resiliency to develop a foundation for the journey.
Adjusting to Changes
Making decisions and adapting to your child’s evolving baseline throughout the journey.
Navigating Decline
Re-orienting goals and finding support alongside declines in your child’s condition, preparing you for the end of your child’s journey.