===== Pain Scores =====

Pain [[score]]s are [[tool]]s used to assess and quantify a patient’s subjective perception of pain, enabling consistent monitoring and treatment decisions.

==== Common Pain Scales ====

=== Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ===
  * **Scale:** 0–10
  * **0 =** No pain, **10 =** Worst imaginable pain
  * **Use:** Most commonly used in adults
  * **Advantages:** Quick, easy to administer

=== Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ===
  * **Description:** 10 cm line with endpoints "No pain" and "Worst imaginable pain"
  * **Scoring:** Measured in mm from "No pain" end
  * **Use:** Clinical trials, sensitive detection of changes
  * **Limitation:** Requires patient comprehension and fine motor skills

=== Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) ===
  * **Options:** No pain, Mild, Moderate, Severe, Very severe, Worst possible
  * **Use:** Suitable for elderly or those with low numeracy
  * **Advantage:** Simple and intuitive

=== Faces Pain Scale – Revised (FPS-R) ===
  * **Visual:** Series of faces from happy (0) to crying (10)
  * **Use:** Pediatric patients, language barriers, cognitive impairment
  * **Aligned with:** 0–10 Numeric Rating

=== FLACC Scale ===
  * **Components:** Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability
  * **Score range:** 0–10
  * **Use:** Infants, non-verbal, sedated patients
  * **Observational tool:** Based on behavior

=== Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) ===
  * **Domains:**
    - Facial expression
    - Upper limb movements
    - Compliance with ventilation
  * **Use:** ICU, sedated/ventilated patients

==== Clinical Interpretation ====

^ Score ^ Description        ^ Suggested Action                        ^
| 0     | No pain            | No treatment required                  |
| 1–3   | Mild pain          | Monitor or mild analgesics (e.g. paracetamol) |
| 4–6   | Moderate pain      | Standard analgesia (e.g. NSAIDs, weak opioids) |
| 7–10  | Severe pain        | Strong analgesia; assess for complications     |