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Pain Conditions Central Pain Syndrome

Pain Topics What is Central Pain Syndrome?
Q&A About Pain Is there any treatment?
Top Ten Tips for What is the prognosis?
Coping
What research is being done?
Chat Transcripts
Where can I find more information?
Webinar Replays
Audio/Video
Archives What is Central Pain Syndrome?

Pain Resource Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central
Information
nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. This syndrome can be
Pain Resource caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's
Locator 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
Programs &
Campaigns 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
Publications
moderate to severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement, emotions, and
Research 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.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Additional information is available from the following organizations:

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)

P.O. Box 850

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Central Pain Syndrome http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/library/pain-conditions/cent...

Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
ACPA@pacbell.net
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231
Fax: 916-632-3208

American Pain Foundation

201 North Charles Street, Suite 710
Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
info@painfoundation.org
http://www.painfoundation.org
Tel: 888-615-PAIN (7246)
Fax: 410-385-1832

National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain

P.O. Box 70045
Houston, TX 77270
NFTPain@cwo.com
http://www.paincare.org
Tel: 713-862-9332
Fax: 713-862-9346

Prepared by and reprinted with the permission of:

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.

Last Updated: 08/11/09

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