Childhood Pain Amplification Syndrome

Also known as: amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, AMPS.

What is pain amplification syndrome?

Pain amplification syndrome is a condition that causes normal pain sensation to be stronger and more intense than usual.


What causes pain amplification syndrome?

The precise cause of pain amplification syndrome is unclear. It often occurs after an illness, an injury or stress. Genetics and hormonal factors also appear to play a role.


What are the symptoms of pain amplification syndrome?

In some cases, pain amplification syndrome causes something that is ordinarily painful to be much more painful. Other times it causes something that wouldn’t cause pain to cause it. Headaches and abdominal pain are also common manifestations.


What are pain amplification syndrome care options?

A variety of therapies can help patients manage the pain of pain amplification syndrome. These can include sleep hygiene techniques, exercise and psychotherapy among other treatments.


Reviewed by: Yonit Sterba Rakovchik, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:12 PM