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.

The syndrome can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumours, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease.

The character of the pain 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 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, moderate to severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement, emotions, and temperature changes — usually cold.

Individuals experience one or more types of pain sensations, the most prominent being burning. Mingled with the burning may be "pins and needles"; pressing, lacerating, or aching pain; and brief, intolerable bursts of sharp pain similar to the pain of a dental probe on an exposed nerve. Numbness in the affected areas is common. 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, but may be delayed by months or even years — especially if it is related to post-stroke pain.