Chronic secondary visceral pain

Definition

Chronic visceral pain is persistent or recurrent pain originating from internal organs of the head/neck region and of the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities. The visceral etiology of the pain should be highly probable; if it is vague, consider using codes in the section of chronic primary pain. The pain is perceived in the somatic tissues of the body wall (skin, subcutis, muscle) in areas that receive the same sensory innervation as the internal organ at the origin of the symptom (referred visceral pain). In these areas, secondary hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to painful stimuli in areas other than the primary site of the nociceptive input) often occurs. The intensity of the symptom may bear no relationship with the extent of the internal damage/noxious visceral stimulation. Diagnostic Criteria: Conditions A to D are fulfilled: A. Chronic pain (persistent or recurrent for longer than 3 months) is present and characterized by both of the following: A.1 The distinct anatomical location is compatible with typical referral pain patterns from specific internal organs. A.2 The history is suggestive of relevant dysfunction/disease of one or more internal organs. B. At least one confirmatory test demonstrates an anatomical location compatible with a specific referred pain pattern. C. At least one confirmatory test demonstrates the relevant dysfunction/disease. D. The pain is not better accounted for by another diagnosis of chronic pain.

Exclusions

• Neuropathic pain

Subcategories (3)