title: Pain report and musculoskeletal impairment in young people with severe forms of cerebral palsy: A population-based series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While pain is reportedly more prevalent in more functionally impaired children with cerebral palsy, information is scant in those with poor communication skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Young people (4-27 years) with severe forms of cerebral palsy were recruited from a population-based register. The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) provided information on general health and bodily pain; the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP) was used for participants with limited communication; and the Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure (SAROMM) described musculoskeletal impairment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  123 young people (GMFCS IV=55 and V=68) and their families/carers participated. Fourteen percent of CHQ responses (n=123) reported severe/very severe pain in recent weeks, whilst 7% reported pain every/almost every day. CHQ pain report was significantly higher for young people in GMFCS level V and correlated significantly with both global health and musculoskeletal impairment. High levels of pain were recorded on the PPP for non-communicating children but only a weak correlation between PPP and CHQ scores was detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Managing pain in young people with severe musculoskeletal and cognitive impairment presents a huge challenge to carers and professionals. The PPP may represent a useful adjunct in those young people with severe communication difficulties.
authors: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman's Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: brona.mcdowell@belfasttrust.hscni.net.
authors: Brona C
authors: BC
authors: McDowell
authors: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman's Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Duffy
authors: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman's Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Lundy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Health; Musculoskeletal impairment; Pain; Severe cerebral palsy