Chronic pain among the hospitalized patients after the 22 July 2011 terror attacks in Oslo and at Utøya Island.

BACKGROUND

On 22 July 2011, 48 people were hospitalized due to physical injuries from gun shots or explosion, following 2 terror attacks in the Oslo area, Norway. In this study, we have investigated the occurrence of chronic pain, the severity and consequences of chronic pain in these patients, 3 to 4 years after the incidents.

METHODS

Totally 43 eligible terror trauma patients were invited to participate in the study, 30 patients were included. They underwent a consultation with a psychologist and a physician; containing psychological assessment, neuropsychological screening, a standardized clinical interview, medical examination, and a pain protocol.

RESULTS

In 18 (60%) the injury was severe, as defined by New Injury Severity Score > 15. Twenty-four patients (80%) reported injury-related chronic pain after the trauma, in 22 with consequences on daily life. Analgesics were used by 20 patients, including 5 in need of opioids. Ten patients had unmet needs of further specialist pain care. In 12 patients, the average pain score last week was above three on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale. In these patients, clinical signs of neuropathic pain were evident in 10, as tested by the Douleur Neuropathique score. There were significant correlations (P < 0.05) between severity of chronic pain and presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms, reduced quality of life, reduced psychosocial and physical function; but no correlation with pre-injury patient characteristics or the degree of physical injury.

CONCLUSION

Chronic pain was frequent and significant, irrespective of injury severity, in these patients who obtained their physical injuries under extreme psychological conditions.