## Overview A pain grimace indicator is a facial expression component of the Horse Grimace Scale. Drawn-back, tight mouth corners and tension lines around the mouth, combined with orbital tightening and stiff ears, signal discomfort. Chronic activation indicates ongoing pain that should be investigated. ## What It Indicates Pain from any source (musculoskeletal, visceral, or other). ## Diagnosis Observation of facial expression as part of a systematic pain assessment. ## Treatment Identify and treat the underlying cause of pain. ## Recovery and Prognosis The grimace resolves when pain is controlled. ## Prevention Prompt pain management.
corners of the mouth drawn back and tight; tension lines around the mouth; orbital tightening; stiff ears
## Overview A pain grimace indicator is a facial expression component of the Horse Grimace Scale. Drawn-back, tight mouth corners and tension lines around the mouth, combined with orbital tightening and stiff ears, signal discomfort. Chronic activation indicates ongoing pain that should be investigated. ## What It Indicates Pain from any source (musculoskeletal, visceral, or other). ## Diagnosis Observation of facial expression as part of a systematic pain assessment. ## Treatment Identify and treat the underlying cause of pain. ## Recovery and Prognosis The grimace resolves when pain is controlled. ## Prevention Prompt pain management.
corners of the mouth drawn back and tight; tension lines around the mouth; orbital tightening; stiff ears