Description

The UAB Pain Behavior Scale can be used to track the severity of chronic pain over time. This can help determine the level of pain control and to identify temporal associations that can influence management. The authors are from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.


 

Parameters:

(1) vocal complaints, verbal

(2) vocal complaints, non-verbal (groans, moans, gasps, etc.)

(3) down time (time spent lying down because of pain per day from 8 AM to 8 PM)

(4) facial grimaces

(5) standing posture

(6) mobility

(7) body language (clutching, rubbing site)

(8) use of visible support equipment (braces, crutches, cane, leaning on furniture, TENS, etc.)

(9) stationary movement (ability to stay still)

(10) medication use

 

Each item is scored from none (0 points), occasional (0.5) and frequent (1 point).

 

total score =

= SUM(points for all 10 items)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 10

• The higher the score, the more marked the pain-associated behavior and the greater the level of impairment.

 


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