Data linkage and pain medication in people with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study

People with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to experience pain than people in the general population. This study used data linkage to compare the use of pain medication between people with CP and people without CP. Data linkage joins information from different sources together. In this study, information from a CP register and a national prescribing database were linked.

The study found that people with CP were more likely to be prescribed pain medication than people without CP. This was especially true for opioid analgesics, which are stronger pain medications.

The study also found that certain factors meant that people with CP had an increased chance of being prescribed pain medication. These factors included female sex, younger age, more severe difficulties with movement, seizures, and living in a deprived area.

The study findings suggest that pain is a significant problem for individuals with CP and that more needs to be done to improve pain management in this population.

Recommendations for healthcare providers: (1) be aware that pain is very commonly experienced by people with CP; (2) ask people with CP about their pain regularly; (3) use a variety of ways to manage pain, including medication and other interventions; and (4) work with people with CP and their families to develop personal pain management plans.

Recommendations for people with CP and their families: (1) talk to your doctor about pain management; (2) keep a pain diary to track your pain patterns; (3) consider non-medication interventions that can help to manage pain, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and massage; and (4) medications may also be helpful in managing pain.