Aims

The first aim of this course is to demonstrate, by theory and clinical practice, the advantages of an integrated multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation and management of acute and chronic pain states. Secondary aims concern updating of neuropsychological mechanisms and presentation of new therapeutic resources.

Main themes

Practitioners routinely involved in evaluation and management of chronic pain patients give the course. The principal topics are:
1. Presentation of epidemiological, socio-economical and ethical problems concerning pain.
2. Updating of neurophysiological aspects of the nociceptive system.
3. Clinical methods of pain assessment
4. Physiotherapeutic exercise for chronic pain patients
5. Presentation and discussion of case histories related to chronic non-cancer and cancer pain.
6. Therapeutic management: specific aspects of analgesic drug prescription, specialized methods (e.g. spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal drug administration), rehabilitation and physical reactivation and psychotherapeutic interventions.
7. Workshops on practical aspects of sensory evaluation, physical evaluation of fitness, diagnostic interview and electrophysiological recording of the nociceptive flexion reflex.
8. The Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic: aims and organization.

Content and teaching methods

The course material consists of slide presentations and/or illustrated texts, accompanied with reference articles from the specialized literature.
Written examination.

Other credits in programs