ANALGESIA IN THE ELDERLY - PRACTICAL TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Pain management in the elderly increasingly presents a challenge for g eneral practitioners and pain specialists. A careful history and exami nation need to be performed so that any underlying cause of the pain c an be established and treated appropriately. The nature of the pain mu st also be determined so that inflammatory or neuropathic components c an be treated effectively. Special care should be taken when new drug treatments are initiated in the elderly because increased sensitivity, a prolonged drug half-life and drug interactions are more likely. Loc al therapies and nondrug treatments an often very effective in helping to alleviate pain and to increase function and independence. The use of all these techniques, combined with appropriate psychological strat egies and setting realistic aims, will result in effective gain manage ment in most patients.