Fwd:3d software enables doctors to pinpoint patients pain

Health
3D software enables doctors to pinpoint patients' pain
Last updated at 14:18pm on 9th November 2006
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The images show what pain the patient feels such as burning and aching

Researchers have developed a new 3D tool to help patients explain where they are suffering pain, it was announced today.

The computer program, developed by experts at Brunel University, shows a rotating model, which allows patients to describe their pain and its intensity.

Doctors can collect information on the patient's experience of pain and the way pain travels around the body.

It also allows people to highlight their type of pain - such as stinging, burning, pins and needles or a numb feeling - using colour-coded markers.

Doctors can use the zoom, rotate and drag functions over the 3D model and the image can be saved for later reference.

The researchers, who believe they have developed a world first, created the tool after realising doctors were having to rely on 2D pain drawings. Dr George Ghinea, senior lecturer at Brunel University, said: "Our research identified that a more accurate method for pain visualisation was needed in order for patients to describe and record the pain that they were experiencing and for physicians to track and better understand patient pain 'journeys'.

"To this end, we have developed the world's first 3D multimedia pain visualisation software that allows patients and physicians to identify and monitor pain experiences."

The Hillingdon Independent Wheelchair User Group, in west London, has tested the model for experience of back pain.

The researchers are now hoping to attract commercial interest in the model for widespread use in hospitals.