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Pain tolerance after stroke: The Tromsø study
Tonje Anita Melum1,2,3, Anders P Årnes3, Hein Stigum4
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|May 11, 2023
Summary
Stroke survivors exhibit reduced cold pain tolerance compared to individuals without a stroke history. This finding holds true for both those with and without chronic pain, suggesting altered pain processing post-stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke can impact the brain's pain processing network.
- Understanding pain modulation after stroke is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cold pain tolerance in stroke survivors versus stroke-free individuals.
- To investigate pain tolerance in stroke survivors with and without chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Tromsø Study (6th and 7th waves).
- Employed the cold pressor test (CPT) to assess pain tolerance.
- Analyzed data using Cox regression, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- 21,837 participants included; 311 had a history of stroke.
- Stroke survivors showed a 28% increased hazard of hand withdrawal during CPT (HR 1.28).
- This association was consistent across participants with and without chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Stroke survivors have diminished cold pain tolerance.
- This reduced tolerance is evident regardless of chronic pain status.
- Healthcare professionals should be more aware of pain in stroke patients.
