Pain in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-sectional Survey Study

This study aims to investigate the prevalence, intensity, and location of pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and analyze pain-related symptoms and participation restrictions.

Children and adolescents aged 2 to 16 years diagnosed with CP were invited to participate in a pain survey. The questionnaire was based on the German Pain Questionnaire for Children, Adolescents and Parents (DSF-KJ). It was administered to children (2-11 years) by their caregivers, while adolescents (12-16 years) were asked to complete the questionnaire themselves or with the help of their caregivers.

Fifty-seven of 133 children and adolescents with CP (43%) reported having pain in the past 12 months, of whom 17 (30%) reported chronic pain. Patients with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV-V reported more frequent pain (p = 0.003) and higher pain intensity (p = 0.011). Lower extremity pain was the most common. Twenty-three percent of participants with pain did not receive any treatment. Pain often restricted participation, specifically by reducing sports activity in patients with GMFCS I-III, focusing attention on patients with GMFCS IV-V, and activities with the family in both GMFCS level categories.

Pain is common in children and adolescents with CP and frequently restricts their participation. Therefore, it must be consistently recorded and addressed during the consultation. The goal of treatment should be not only to reduce pain but above all to increase participation.