Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessment of pain in a non-verbal child

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2024 Sep 19;109(5):228-232. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326330.

Abstract

In both inpatient and outpatient settings, clinicians will encounter patients with pain. This consultation is further complicated if the child is non-verbal. This article aims to equip the clinician with tools to assess these patients comprehensively and develop an appropriate management plan. It will take the clinician through the important aspects of a comprehensive history from the caregiver, thorough examination, importance of understanding how the child communicates and pain assessment tools to consider.

Keywords: Neurology; Pain; Palliative Care.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Pain Measurement*
  • Pain* / diagnosis