Pain and Headache Management
Our chronic pain and headache patients are generally children, adolescents, or teenagers who are having a hard time coping with their pain and may feel their lives are out of control due to the effects of chronic pain. We work with our patients, families and their schools to develop a comprehensive treatment plan focused on getting them back to school and their activities.
During a hospitalization, 93% of children will experience pain. For this reason, our team is available to see patients with acute pain in the hospital. Other inpatient services include improving sedation medication regimens, weaning sedation medications, palliative sedation and chronic pain management.
Multidisciplinary approach to care
The Pediatric Pain Management Center at Children’s Health offers children and parents a specially trained team that evaluates and treats chronic pain, acute pain, and headaches. Our interdisciplinary approach involves many other specialties to treat pain using multiple approaches at once. The center can help lessen the pain associated with a variety of diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, chest and back conditions, nerve injuries, rheumatologic conditions, sports injuries, and cancer. We also have a dedicated headache clinic for those children suffering from headaches. Headaches related to concussions that occurred less than one year ago will be referred to the Neuro Concussion Clinic.
Treating pain in children can be very challenging. Many, especially when they are younger, can’t tell us how much pain they are having. They also may find it hard to communicate where it is located and whether it is sharp or dull. In addition, adults may ignore or dismiss the child’s complaints as making excuses, or as an attempt to get attention.
The services are offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our physicians are certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology–Pain Management. The entire program has been awarded a disease specific certification by the Joint Commission, which is the nation’s standard-setting and certifying body in health care.
Research
We have numerous studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs used to treat acute and chronic pain in children. We are also conducting studies assessing devices that monitor patient status during and after surgery.
Parent Resources
Looking to schedule an appointment or learn more about what to expect at your child's appointment? Read FAQ from the Children's Health Pain Management team.
Multidisciplinary approach to care
The Pediatric Pain Management Center at Children’s Health offers children and parents a specially trained team that evaluates and treats chronic pain, acute pain, and headaches. Our interdisciplinary approach involves many other specialties to treat pain using multiple approaches at once. The center can help lessen the pain associated with a variety of diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, chest and back conditions, nerve injuries, rheumatologic conditions, sports injuries, and cancer. We also have a dedicated headache clinic for those children suffering from headaches. Headaches related to concussions that occurred less than one year ago will be referred to the Neuro Concussion Clinic.
Treating pain in children can be very challenging. Many, especially when they are younger, can’t tell us how much pain they are having. They also may find it hard to communicate where it is located and whether it is sharp or dull. In addition, adults may ignore or dismiss the child’s complaints as making excuses, or as an attempt to get attention.
The services are offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our physicians are certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology–Pain Management. The entire program has been awarded a disease specific certification by the Joint Commission, which is the nation’s standard-setting and certifying body in health care.
Research
We have numerous studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs used to treat acute and chronic pain in children. We are also conducting studies assessing devices that monitor patient status during and after surgery.
Parent Resources
Looking to schedule an appointment or learn more about what to expect at your child's appointment? Read FAQ from the Children's Health Pain Management team.
A young patient learns to manage her chronic pain with confidenceWhen Aynsley was 9 years old, she injured her left ankle in dance class and the pain would not go away. Doctor after doctor could not explain the chronic pain, which was difficult for both Aynsley and parents, Cara and Dan.
Read MoreMeet the Care Team
Alan Farrow-Gillespie, MDPediatric Anesthesiologist
Stephen Hoang, MDPediatric Anesthesiologist
Katherine Maddox, MDPalliative Care
Sarah Rebstock, MDPediatric Anesthesiologist
Grace Slater, MDHospice and Palliative Care Specialist
Tommy Spain, MDPediatric Anesthesiologist and Pain Management
Sarah Pennant, PhDPediatric Psychologist
James DeMasi, APRN, PNP-AC/PCNurse Practitioner - Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Robyn Green, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Palliative Care
Alicia Harding, APRN, FNPNurse Practitioner - Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Judy Kiarie, APRN, FNP, PMHNPNurse Practitioner - Anesthesiology
Brittney Lanier, APRN, FNPNurse Practitioner - Palliative Care
Jennifer Styers, APRN, PNP-AC/PCNurse Practitioner - Pain Management
Clara Trautmann, APRN, FNPNurse Practitioner - Palliative Care
Elizabeth Wong, APRN, PNP-PCNurse Practitioner - Anesthesiology
Rachael Sloan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical TherapyPhysical Therapist II
