Dor neuropática: sentimentos e vivências de pacientes após lesões traumáticas

Abstract

Objective: To understand the daily life of patients with neuropathic pain resulting from traumatic injury. Methodology: Exploratory, descriptive research, with a qualitative approach, with participants selected through social media. Data collection was carried out between July and September 2022, with adult individuals diagnosed with neuropathic pain after traumatic injury. The collection took place through an online form, using a sociodemographic questionnaire and an open questionnaire, to capture relevant information about their clinical case and experience with chronic pain. Data were analyzed using Bardin. All ethical precepts were respected and the project was approved by report n.º 5,529,581 of Cesumar University. Results: 15 people with neuropathic pain participated, with a prevalence of females (93.3%), aged between 41 and 50 years (66.7%). It was observed that 53.3% reported chronic comorbidities, with psychic, anxiolytic and cardiac diseases being the most cited. Also, 33.3% of the participants reported that they were hospitalized due to pain or a suicide attempt, 93.3% used opioids and potent analgesics, and antidepressants and anxiolytics were mentioned in 62% of the answers. Among the topics highlighted in the responses, the most important were “Context and diagnosis of neuropathic pain; Experience and frequency of pain; Professional and family support in the face of the disease”. Final Considerations: In this sense, the perception of health professionals and the appreciation of physicians for the treatment of neuropathic pain is often related to the need to increase knowledge regarding pain management and the use of opioids.