The Stroke Network
PO Box 492
Abingdon, MD 21009
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Central Pain Syndrome (CPS) refers to pain that originates in the brain
and not in the nerves, which lie outside of the brain. Pain
is ordinarily a protective sensation that causes a person to move away
from its cause, such as withdrawing one's hand from a fire.
In the case
of CPS, a source of the pain does not exist. Instead, the
sensory pathways within the brain have been damaged by the
stroke. This stimulates central nerve fibers, which creates a
perception of pain.
CPS is a burning, aching, or cutting
sensation with a mixture of pain sensations, the most prominent being
intense sunburn. Intermixed with this pain are sensations of
cold, "pins and needles" tingling, and nerve proximity.
CPS
includes several painful conditions such as pain to one side of the
face, shoulder, lower back, arm, hand, leg and foot. Pain
may be moderate to severe in intensity and is often exacerbated by
movement and temperature changes, usually cold temperatures.
Spasticity and joint
stiffness can contribute to the pain, as limbs contract and expand during
movement.
Also, pain sensations
are increased significantly by any light touch.
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Stroke
Warning Signs
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Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm
or leg, especially on one side of the
body |
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or
understanding |
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both
eyes |
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Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of
balance or coordination |
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Sudden, severe headache with no known cause |
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