NINDS Central Pain Syndrome Information Page

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

W hat is Central Pain Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
W hat is the prognosis?
W hat research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations

What is Central Pain Syndrome?

Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous
system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. This syndrome can be caused by stroke,
multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease. The character of the
pain associated with this syndrome differs widely among individuals partly because of the variety of potential
causes. Central pain syndrome may affect a large portion of the body or may be more restricted to specific
areas, such as hands or feet. The extent of pain is usually related to the cause of the CNS injury or damage.
Pain is typically constant, may be moderate to severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement,
emotions, and temperature changes, usually cold temperatures. Individuals experience one or more types of
pain sensations, the most prominent being burning. Mingled with the burning may be sensations of "pins and
needles;" pressing, lacerating, or aching pain; and brief, intolerable bursts of sharp pain similar to the pain
caused by a dental probe on an exposed nerve. Individuals may have numbness in the areas affected by the
pain. The burning and loss of touch sensations are usually most severe on the distant parts of the body, such as
the feet or hands. Central pain syndrome often begins shortly after the causative injury or damage, but may be
delayed by months or even years, especially if it is related to post-stroke pain.

Is there any treatment?

Pain medications often provide some reduction of pain, but not complete relief of pain, for those affected by
central pain syndrome. Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline or anticonvulsants such as neurontin
(gabapentin) can be useful. Lowering stress levels appears to reduce pain.

What is the prognosis?

Central pain syndrome is not a fatal disorder, but the syndrome causes disabling chronic pain and suffering
among the majority of individuals who have it.

What research is being done?

The NINDS vigorously pursues a research program seeking new treatments for chronic pain and nervous system
damage. The goals of this research are to develop ways to more effectively treat and potentially reverse
debilitating conditions such as central pain syndrome.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Central Pain Syndrome Clinical Trials

At NIH Clinical Center
Throughout the U.S. and W orldwide
NINDS Clinical Research Collaboration Trials

Organizations
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) American Pain Foundation
P.O. Box 850 201 North Charles Street
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 Suite 710
ACPA@pacbell.net Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
http://www.theacpa.org info@painfoundation.org
Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 http://www.painfoundation.org
Fax: 916-652-8190 Tel: 888-615-7246
Fax: 410-385-1832

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent
endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other
Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation
with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH
is appreciated.

Last updated January 13, 2011

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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