Signs of pain in a child
Find a doctorOur team uses tools like pictures and numbers to communicate with kids about their discomfort, but their behaviors are often the most helpful in determining their pain levels. You know your child best, so note any changes in his or her actions and look out for symptoms of pain.
Symptoms of pain in kids:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty moving
- Becoming quiet
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Refusal to be held
- Holding on to an area of the body
- Becoming angry
- Restlessness
- Difficulty calming down
Measuring pain levels:
Knowing the severity of your child's pain can help you determine which relief methods are appropriate. Measure discomfort by asking your child to:
- Rate the pain on a scale of 0 to 10 or choose a word from a list that he or she believes best describes it.
- Explain the pain to help determine a cause. For example, the pain may be sharp, dull, aching, shooting or burning.
- Describe what makes the pain better and worse.
Meet our team
Our top experts are dedicated to your child’s care, comfort and recovery. Learn more about the specialists who'll work with you to create a pain management plan that's unique to your child and his or her needs.
