Adjuvants

An adjuvant is not analgesic but is capable of relieving pain in certain specific pain situations. Selection of an appropriate adjuvant is a key element of a rational and evidence-based approach to management of pain in children. It depends on the diagnosis of the type of pain, considered in this chapter in relation to the selection of a suitable adjuvant, based on recognizing the nature of the pain to be treated. Adjuvants for specific types of pain, including neuropathic pain, bone pain, muscle spasm, and cerebral irritation, and pain syndromes are discussed in detail, with information provided on symptoms and management.