Investigating the pain frequency and etiology and determine the relationship between pain and quality of life in cerebral palsy patients

İntroduction: Our aim with this study is investigate the frequency and etiology of the pain and determine the relationship between pain and quality of life in cerebral palsy patients. Material and Methods: Cerebral palsy patients seperated three groups according to their ages and 38 patient from age group 2-4, 39 from age group 5-11 and 33 patients from age group 12-18 were included to the study. Parents filled the HUİ pain scale for reported their child's pain and pain etiology determined with anamnesis and physical examination. The relationship between pain, age, GMFCS and quality of life determined by using Spearman analysis and Mann Whitney U statistical tests. Results: Frequency of the pain in age group 2-4 was %15.8. Pain frequency was %28.2 in age group 5-11 and %45.5 in age group 12-18. Neuromuscular factors was responsible about %70 of the pain in age group 2-4. İn the age group 5-11, orthopedic and neuromuscular factors almost equally responsible for the pain. Ortopedic factors almost responsible from half of the pain in the age group 12-18. Most frequent pain localisations were back and hip. Patients divided pain and no pain group by examiner and groups PedsQl scores compared with each other. Physical component of PedsQl score was significantly higher at no pain group in 5-11 age group. İn the other age groups, all components of PedsQl score was significantly higher at no pain group. There wasn't any relationship between age and quality of life. Conclusion: Pain is seen all age groups with cerebral palsy children and should be kept in mind. Our study found that pain negatively effect the quality of life. Furhter studies with larger group of patients needed to investigate the factors that affect quality of life in cerebral palsy.