Stroke

Stroke Pain

A stroke is an attack on the brain. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. When this happens, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain cells begin to die. As brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

Post-stroke pain can occur at anytime. For some patients, it occurs immediately. For others, it occurs weeks or even months after their stroke. Some have chronic pain while others have pain that comes and goes.

What types of pain can patients experience post-stroke, and what are the symptoms?

Many stroke patients experience local pain in the joints. Local shoulder pain is especially common.

Other patients experience central post-stroke pain (CPSP). It is a constant pain due to the brain damage that occurred during the stroke.

After a stroke, your brain does not understand normal messages from the body in response to stimuli. For example, the brain may register a light touch on your skin as painful.

You may feel post-stroke pain on the side of your body affected by the stroke, your arm, leg or torso. The pain can vary from aching, burning, being sharp, stabbing, or itching.

If you have central pain, normal touch may seem painful or unpleasant. You may also feel nothing when heat, cold or other stimuli are applied to your skin. You may even experience more pain when cold, moving or emotionally stressed.

How will my MMG Pain Management Specialist treat my post-stroke pain?

Depending on the location of your pain and the severity, there are a variety of treatments your doctor may recommend:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections (steroid shots)
• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Heat and stretching exercises (for shoulder pain)