Future Directions of Machine Learning for Pain in Individuals who are Nonverbal
How we can give a voice to people in need
Background
Pain is an experience we all share. From the time you scraped your knee in third grade after falling off the monkey bars, to the moment you accidentally laid your hand on a hot stove cooking dinner for a friend.
The sensation is necessary to shelter your body from harm and encourage proper protection in future scenarios.
Most people are able to share when they are in pain. Whether it is a loud shriek, a dull gasp, or a telling grimace, there are many ways to communicate your experience to others. This is critical for us to get the care we need and essential for observers to learn how to avoid painful situations in the future. Furthermore, it helps people like clinicians, family members, and friends understand how they can best treat you.
The Role of Pain in People that are Nonverbal
For some, verbalizing pain is not possible. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for example, may not…
