For many years it was believed that children and, in particular, babies did not feel pain. But over the last twenty years or so, this perspective has changed and we have seen many highly specialised pain clinics being set up around the world, who are dedicated to address the needs of the younger members of the population. It is vital to acknowledge that children in pain are not simply "smaller adults", but that they have particular experiences and requirements that can only be addressed by experts in the field, who are aware of the developmental factors that may influence their pain experience. The age of the child, past experiences with pain, family and cultural aspects influence the child's response to new, painful situations. The reaction of parents are important and can serve as role models, but also gender differences are important, when it comes to pain in children. This book deals with severe pain in children and pain associated with disease.
