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Incidence of central post-stroke pain
Grethe Andersen1, Karsten Vestergaard, Margrethe Ingeman-Nielsen
1Department of Neurology, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Pain
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) affects 8% of stroke survivors, often accompanied by sensory changes like allodynia. This neuropathic pain syndrome can manifest as aching or lacerating pain, impacting quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome following stroke, linked to sensory abnormalities.
- Understanding CPSP's incidence and characteristics is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively describe Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) during the first year after stroke.
- To characterize associated cerebrovascular lesions and neurological signs.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 267 stroke patients (<81 years) examined at 1 week, 1, 6, and 12 months.
- Sensory testing (touch, temperature, pinprick) and CT scans were performed.
- 207 patients surviving ≥6 months formed the final study cohort.
Main Results:
- Abnormal sensory signs were observed in 42% of patients.
- CPSP was diagnosed in 8% of patients, frequently with evoked dysesthesia or allodynia.
- Pain intensity varied, with 5% experiencing moderate to severe pain; pain quality was often lacerating or aching.
- Most CPSP patients (94%) exhibited decreased temperature, touch, and pain sensibility; allodynia to cold/touch was reported by 56%.
Conclusions:
- Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) affects a significant minority of stroke survivors, often with sensory deficits and allodynia.
- No clear relationship was found between lesion characteristics (size, location) and CPSP development in single-lesion cases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and optimal treatments for CPSP.