Presentation Information

Long-Term Effects of Neonatal Pain on the Developing Brain

• Speaker: Jillian Vinall , PhD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

As part of their lifesaving care, infants born very preterm (8 to 16 weeks too early) undergo repeated invasive procedures for what can be weeks to months on end. There is accumulating evidence demonstrating the negative long-term effects of repeated neonatal pain on the developing brain and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born very preterm. The presentation will outline why infants born ≤32 weeks gestational age, are particularly vulnerable to repeated exposure to invasive procedures. I will highlight the latest literature exploring the long-term effects of neonatal pain on the brain and neurodevelopmental outcomes of both children born very preterm and animal models of prematurity. Furthermore, I will discuss evidence-based pain prevention and intervention strategies applied during neonatal intensive care. It is imperative that we continue to find ways to reduce the negative long-term effects of pain within this vulnerable population of infants born very-preterm.