Pain expression in infants and small children

Abstract

The expression of pain by Infants and small children (painful conduct) Is reviewed based on recent studies; the emergence of biologic, behavioral and cognitive aspects of that expression, as maturation takes place, is briefly described; emphasis is made on the fact that Infants and small children are often allowed to suffer unnecessary pain, on the basis of previous misconceptions; also, the need for physicians and nurses to be able to interpret the non-verbal language of Infant's pain is underlined, so that prevention and early treatment can become possible.