What defines a significant adverse event in the context of dry needling?

A significant adverse event in the context of dry needling is characterized by its duration and impact. An event that lasts days or weeks indicates a more serious and potentially harmful consequence from the treatment, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and assessment of the patient's response to dry needling. This can include complications such as prolonged pain, infection, or nerve injury, which require medical attention and can significantly affect a patient's recovery process.

In contrast, events lasting only hours or those that resolve immediately are typically seen as minor or manageable reactions that do not typically require further intervention or indicate a significant risk to the patient’s health. An event with negligible impact would not be categorized as "adverse" in the significant sense because it does not affect the patient substantially. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a significant adverse event is its lasting nature and the degree to which it impacts the patient's well-being and treatment outcomes.