Pain stimulus

Pain stimulus is a technique used by medical personnel for assessing the consciousness level of a person who is not responding to normal interaction, voice commands or gentle physical stimuli (such as shaking of the shoulders).

[1] Central stimuli are likely to have to be applied for at least 15 and potentially up to 30 seconds in order for the clinician to accurately assess their efficacy.

For instance, the sternal rub may leave bruising (especially on fair skinned patients)[1] and for this reason is discouraged by some.

[7][8] Supraorbital and mandibular pressure may not be suitable for patients with head injuries, or those with periorbital swelling.

[9] Peripheral stimuli are generally applied to the limbs, and a common technique is squeezing the lunula area of the finger or toe nail, often with an adjunct such as a pen.