Pain in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Jennifer M Ryan1, Jessica Burke1, Rachel Byrne2
1CP-Life Research Centre, School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Aim:
To describe the prevalence and incidence of pain, identify prognostic factors for pain, determine psychometric properties of tools to assess pain, and evaluate effectiveness of interventions for reducing pain among adults with cerebral palsy (CP).
Method:
Six databases were searched to identify studies published since 1990 in any language that met eligibility criteria defined for each objective. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers.
Results:
Sixty-three studies were identified; 47 reporting prevalence, 28 reporting prognostic factors, four reporting psychometric properties, five evaluating intervention effectiveness. Pain prevalence ranged from 24% to 89%. Prevalence was higher among adults with CP than in adults without it. Communication function, sex, and age were prognostic factors for pain prevalence. Numerical, verbal, and pictorial rating scales were valid for assessing pain intensity in adults with CP. Pharmacological and surgical interventions had no effect on pain. An active lifestyle and sports intervention reduced pain in adults with CP compared with usual care.
Interpretation:
Many adults with CP experience pain, although prevalence estimates vary considerably. The quality of evidence for prognostic factors and interventions is very low to low. There is a lack of evidence about effective pain management among adults with CP.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Analgesia and Pain Management
Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
Pain
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction


