Could hidden nerve damage explain pain in kids with developmental delays?

This completed study looked at whether children with neurodevelopmental disorders (like mitochondrial disease, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay) have fewer small nerve fibers in their skin, which could cause pain. Researchers took small skin biopsies from 203 children—some healthy and some with developmental disorders—and counted the nerve fibers. The goal was to establish normal reference values for children and see if nerve damage is an overlooked source of pain in this group.