About PainTrace™

PainTrace™ was an accidental discovery of sorts versus a theory-led invention. In actuality, PainTrace™ does not measure pain itself, but rather the body's response to pain. Numerous studies over the course of several years have shown that animals in substantial pain produce a trace that is distinctly different than animals not in pain. Animals suffering more than momentary pain tend to produce a trace that is below the neutral baseline, in what we call the negative region. Most other animals produce a “positive” trace above the baseline. Traces right on the baseline are primarily associated with unconsciousness, whether due to sleep or general anesthesia.

PainTrace™, as used in the veterinary industry, measures the natural electric charge of the skin (skin potential or SP) on both sides, using disposable self-adhering electrodes similar to those used in an ECG.  A one minute measurement can determine the presence or absence of a signature asymmetrical shift which characterizes the response of the body’s autonomic nervous system to any type of moderate to severe pain lasting more than 20 minutes.

The system is easy to use and read. Real time digital readings appear on the LCD display. Downloading to a computer allows you to graph readings with a single click. Readings and graphs can then be e-mailed to colleagues and clients. This allows the veterinarian to demonstrate both the need for and efficacy of therapy to clients in an objective manner that is easily understood by the layman.

Before analgesic:

6-7 minutes after intra-muscular analgesic injection

Below baseline, horse is in pain. Above the baseline, horse is relieved of its pain.