Pediatric headache is a global health concern, with up to 60% of youth experiencing persistent headache pain for at least three months (Abu-Arafeh et al., 2010). Often accompanying the headache are symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound (Hayne & Martin, 2019; Neut et al., 2012). Headache pain and its associated sensitivities often result in a significant reduction in daily function and avoidance of school, leisure, and social activities (Langdon & DiSabella, 2017). Sensitivities to light and sound are important yet understudied symptoms of pediatric headache disorders. The lack of empirical evidence to guide occupational therapists in the treatment of headache-related sensitivities in children and adolescents presents a major gap in the practice area of pediatric chronic pain. Pediatric Auditory and Visual Exposure (PAVE) was developed to address this gap and to provide occupational therapists with an effective, standardized approach to treat headache-related sensitivities in youth. PAVE is a theoretically driven, exposure-based occupational therapy intervention for youth (ages 8–17) presenting with a diagnosed pediatric headache disorder and experiencing light and/or sound sensitivities that interfere with their daily functioning. The intervention consists of six treatment modules employed over the course of several weeks. The primary goal of PAVE is to improve participant daily functioning through reduction of avoidance behavior, sensory sensitivity, and pain intensity, all of which contribute to functional disability.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/43010 |
| Date | 13 September 2021 |
| Creators | Silvia, Megan N. |
| Contributors | Rogers, E. Sally, Jacobs, Karen |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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