Citation

Elliott KJ. Continuum Lifelong Learn. Neurol. 2012; 18(1): 176-180.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Academy of Neurology)

DOI

10.1212/01.CON.0000411563.41709.e3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The treatment of pain can raise ethical dilemmas. This article presents a case of a young woman with a pain crisis from severe neuropathic pain that is complicated by comorbidities of depression and prior (but not active) heroin use. Medical and ethical justifications for either withholding or providing opioids for her pain are examined. State and federal laws governing opioid prescriptions by physicians for pain management are reviewed. © 2012 American Academy of Neurology. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; government; female; alcohol; alcoholism; case report; malnutrition; suicide attempt; major depression; comorbidity; medical ethics; review; prescription; neuroleptic agent; tachycardia; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; opiate; diamorphine; sedative agent; low drug dose; hydromorphone; paresthesia; neuropathic pain; heroin dependence; hair loss; neuropathy; neurologic examination; muscle atrophy; cyanocobalamin deficiency; folic acid deficiency