INFORMATION ON CENTRAL PAIN SYNDROME

Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by injury especially to the central nervous system (CNS) — brain, brainstem, or spinal cord. The pain is firm and is usually described as a burning, aching, or cutting sensation. Rarely there may be short, unbearable bursts of sharp pain.

CAUSES OF CENTRAL PAIN SYNDROME

Central Pain Syndrome may enlarge months or even years after injury or damage to the central nervous system. The disorder occurs in patients who have, or have had, strokes, multiple sclerosis, limb amputations, or brain or spinal cord injuries.

It affects as many as 100,000 Americans with numerous sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amputated limbs, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. Their pain is severe and is tremendously difficult to treat effectively. A variety of medications, including analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and electrical stimulation, are options available to central pain patients.

SYMPTOMS OF CENTRAL PAIN SYNDROME

The pain is stable and is frequently described as a burning, aching, or cutting sensation. Occasionally there may be short, unbearable bursts of sharp pain. Central pain is characterized by a mixture of pain sensations, the most prominent being constant burning. Mingled with the burning are sensations of cold, "pins and needles" tingling, and nerve proximity (like that of a dental probe on an exposed nerve). The steady burning sensation is increased significantly by any light touch. Patients are somewhat sensation less in the areas affected by this burning pain. The burning and loss of feel appreciation are generally most severe on the distant parts of the body, such as the feet or hands. Pain may be reasonable to severe in intensity and is often exacerbated by movement and temperature changes, generally cold temperatures.

TREATMENT OF CENTRAL PAIN SYNDROME

Pain medications often give little or no relief for those affected by central pain syndrome. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline, or anticonvulsants such as gabapentin can be helpful in this condition. Patients should be sedated and the nervous system should be kept quiet and as free from strain as possible.

Their pain is severe and is tremendously difficult to treat effectively. A variety of medications, including analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and electrical stimulation, are options obtainable to central pain patients.