Pain in persons with cerebral palsy: extension and cross validation.

OBJECTIVE

To cross-validate and extend the assessment of pain in persons with cerebral palsy (CP).

DESIGN

Standardized in-person interviews.

SETTING

University medical clinics and local residential and community housing for persons with developmental disabilities.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred adults with CP.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of pain intensity, pain interference in daily activities, psychologic function, significance of pain problem, and satisfaction with pain treatment.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven (67%) subjects reported 1 or more chronic pain problem(s). Low back, hip, and leg pain were most common. Twenty-four percent reported constant pain; 19% reported that pain occurred daily. Mean pain intensity +/- standard deviation over the previous week on an 11-point scale (0, no pain; 10, pain as bad as could be) was 4.08+/-2.25. Minor interference (2.55+/-3.03; scale range, 0-10) from pain with routine daily activities was reported. Responses to the Satisfaction with Life Scale (n=63) indicated only moderate life satisfaction (18.44+/-8.34; scale range, 5-35) among those with 1 or more pain problem(s). Responses to the Rand Mental Health Inventory (n=65; mean score, 60.65+/-20.36) revealed relatively high levels of psychologic distress in those with chronic pain. Consumer satisfaction with pain management care varied, with 32.8% of the subjects reporting dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings are consistent with earlier findings concerning pain problems in adults with CP and provide further evidence that pain problems may be overlooked and undertreated in this population.