Recurrent limb pain in schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, causes and clinical features of short lasting recurrent limb pain (recurrent limb pain) in children. DESIGN Population-based study in two stages, with an initial screening questionnaire followed by clinical interviews and physical examination of symptomatic children. SETTING 67 primary and secondary schools in the city of Aberdeen. SUBJECTS 2165 children representing a random 10% sample of all schoolchildren aged between 5-15 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (a) The causes of limb pain in children, (b) the prevalence of recurrent limb pain in schoolchildren, (c) the relationship of recurrent limb pain to childhood migraine. RESULTS Sports and playground injuries were the most common cause of limb pain, affecting 9% of all children. The prevalence rate of recurrent limb pain was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.9 to 3.4). Episodes of recurrent limb pain had similar trigger factors, associated symptoms, and relieving factors to episodes of headache in children with migraine. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent limb pain is a common cause of limb pain, with a prevalence rate of 2.6%. The close clinical and epidemiological similarities between recurrent limb pain and childhood migraine suggest a common pathogenesis.