Chronic Pain

Coping and lessening pain

Chronic pain occurs in almost 10 percent of people who had strokes resulting from clots (ischemic strokes).  Usually, this pain is felt on the side that is affected by the stroke and it can develop weeks or months after the stoke itself.

Risk factors for post-stroke pain include:

• being a woman
• the severity of stroke
• alcohol intake
• recent symptoms of depression
• diabetes
• vascular disease of blood vessels supplying the legs

This type of pain is called central post-stroke pain (CPSP), thalamic pain, or central pain syndrome (CPS). CPSP is constant and is caused by the brain misreading normal sensations as pain.  For this reason, over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin or Advil do not help.

The following treatments may help with the pain, however:

• Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), which address the constant pain, anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Surgical treatments: deep brain stimulation or motor cortex stimulation
• Seek treatment from a mental health provider who has experience providing care for patients with chronic pain
• Understanding Post-Stroke Pain
• Central Post Stroke Pain Treatment Options
• Wait -- the pain lessens for 20% of people with CPSP over a period of years.

See also:

• U.S. Pain Foundation tries to connect, inform, educate, and empower those living with pain while advocating on behalf of the entire pain community.
• The American Chronic Pain Association facilitates peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families.
• Pain Connection is a  not-for-profit human service agency that aims to improve the quality of life of those suffering from chronic pain. 
• When the Pain Never Goes Away
• Helping Others Understand: Post-stroke Central Pain
• Neuropathy After Stroke: Understanding & Treating the Pain
• Pain After a Stroke: Symptoms to Watch Out For