Stroke and central poststroke pain in an elderly population.
1Pain Research Institute, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK. pri@liv.ac.uk
The Journal of Pain
|November 19, 2003
Summary
Many elderly stroke survivors experience central poststroke pain (CPSP), often undiagnosed and untreated. This study highlights the significant prevalence of CPSP in older populations, suggesting a need for improved specialist care access.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Central poststroke pain (CPSP) is a debilitating condition following a stroke.
- Prevalence and characteristics of CPSP in elderly populations are not well-documented.
- Limited data exists on the referral patterns of elderly CPSP patients to specialist care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of central poststroke pain (CPSP) in an elderly population.
- To compare the characteristics of CPSP in elderly individuals with younger, hospital-referred patients.
- To assess the extent to which elderly CPSP patients are referred for specialist care.
Main Methods:
- A survey administered by nurses to 1,071 elderly subjects (median age 80) using questionnaires.
- Inclusion criteria: subjects who had experienced completed strokes or transient ischemic attacks.
- Comparison with a cohort of 111 hospital-referred CPSP subjects.
Main Results:
- 11% of completed stroke subjects reported symptoms consistent with CPSP.
- Elderly CPSP patients were older at stroke onset (median 77.5 years) and all had motor deficits.
- Elderly CPSP patients showed a tendency for non-burning pain, unlike younger patients who reported burning pain.
Conclusions:
- A significant number of elderly individuals suffer from undiagnosed central poststroke pain (CPSP).
- Elderly CPSP patients are often older at stroke onset and present with motor deficits.
- There is a substantial gap in specialist care referral for elderly CPSP victims, indicating a need for improved healthcare strategies.
![Autoradiographic Measurements of [14C]-Iodoantipyrine in Rat Brain Following Central Post-Stroke Pain](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F53947.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Related Concept Videos
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...