Getting an absolute measure of pain is impossible. Pain cannot be measured in the same way that heart rate or blood pressure can. However, by using a variety of indicators, it is possible to get an accurate picture of pain.
When first assessed, your child will be asked to point to where the pain is and asked whether the pain affects other parts of her body. Your child might then be asked how much the pain hurts (pain intensity) and be asked to use a special tool or scale to rate it. Most children over three to four years of age can use scales to accurately describe the intensity of their pain, how the pain makes them feel, and how much it gets in the way of their activities. This method of measurement is extremely useful.
A child can rate her pain over time, and health care professionals can determine whether the pain is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. The rating scales used will depend on the age and communication ability of the child. Generally, older children can use a variety of scales. These rating measures, taken with other observed behavioural and physical indications, can produce an accurate assessment.
Ongoing assessment will mostly focus on pain intensity and your child's ability to carry out normal everyday activities such as walking, eating, and playing with friends; whether the pain relief strategy is working; and how well any side effects that might occur as a result of prescribed medicines are being managed.