Characteristics of recurrent musculoskeletal pain in children with cerebral palsy aged 8 to 18 years

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, predictors, severity, and impact of recurrent musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: One hundred and fifty-three participants (81 males, 72 females) aged 8 to 18 years were assessed by clinical examination, interview, and questionnaires. CP type distribution was 38% unilateral spastic, 55% bilateral spastic, 6% dyskinetic, and 1% ataxic. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels were as follows: level I, 54; level II, 56; level III, 20; level IV, 8; and level V, 15. Sixty-four children and 89 parents recorded pain on the Child Health Questionnaire, 56 children and 85 parents indicated impact of pain on 0 to 10 numeric rating scales, and 72 children indicated pain intensity on the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. RESULTS: Ninety-five (62%) children across all GMFCS levels experienced recurrent musculoskeletal pain. Age above 14 years was the only significant predictor (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.22-7.80, p=0.02, adjusted for sex, CP type, gross motor function and mother's education). Children reported recurrent musculoskeletal pain to be moderate. Parents reported pain to be more severe and with higher impact on sleep than their children did. Children and parents reported similar impact of pain on general activity and walking. INTERPRETATION: Recurrent musculoskeletal pain is the dominating pain problem in children and adolescents with CP. Monitoring of musculoskeletal pain should be part of the medical follow-up across the whole range of motor impairment.