Central poststroke pain syndrome

Abstract

Central poststroke pain (CPSP) syndrome is a rare complication of stroke but a common cause of central pain. CPSP is best managed in a well-coordinated interdisciplinary pain management program. Pharmacological options are available but none have proven optimal efficacy. Adequate pain control can be achieved with careful medication adjustment and a willingness to try different options in a stepwise approach. Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) with noninvasive or implanted electrodes is not currently available in the United States but has shown good efficacy in several clinical trials. MCS combined with medication management may be an option for treating CPSP in the future.