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Recurrent pain syndromes in children: a streamlined approach
S R Poole1, B D Schmitt, R D Mauro
1Ambulatory Services, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, USA.
Insights
Pediatricians often face children with recurring aches and pains. This study offers a simplified checklist approach to diagnose and manage these nonorganic pain syndromes, drawing on 20 years of clinical experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Recurring aches and pains in healthy-appearing children present diagnostic challenges in pediatrics.
- Nonorganic syndromes, often termed functional somatic syndromes, are common but can be difficult to identify.
Purpose of the Study:
- To share a 20-year experience in managing diagnostic dilemmas related to pediatric pain.
- To present a simplified, checklist-based approach for diagnosing and treating children with nonorganic pain syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Review of a 20-year clinical experience in a diagnostic dilemmas clinic.
- Incorporation of literature-based helpful hints.
- Development and application of diagnostic checklists.
Main Results:
- A streamlined diagnostic process for nonorganic pain syndromes in children.
- Practical strategies for managing children presenting with functional somatic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- A simplified, checklist-driven approach can effectively streamline the diagnosis and treatment of nonorganic pain syndromes in pediatric patients.
- This methodology aids clinicians in managing frustrating, yet common, pediatric complaints.
Abstract:
Healthy-appearing children with recurring aches or pains are a frustrating part of pediatric practice. The authors share their 20-year experience in a diagnostic dilemmas clinic, helpful hints from the literature, and a simplified approach that uses checklists to streamline diagnosis and treat children with nonorganic syndromes.