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Helping Others Understand: Post-Stroke Central Pain Info Sheet

It can sometimes be hard for family and friends to recognize how much post-stroke central pain may be affecting a survivor. We’ve created a quick-reference sheet that you can share with family and friends to help them better understand. Download a PDF of the fact sheet. See the full story: Helping Others Understand: Post-Stroke Central Pain

Fact sheet transcript:

What You Need to Know about Post-Stroke Central Pain Syndrome (CPS)

This pain is described as burning pain or hypersensitivity or pins and needles, typically on the side of the body that is numb.
The pain never goes away, but it can intensify.
CPS is unlike the tissue and peripheral nervous system pain that most people have experienced. CPS is the result of injury to the brain itself.
CPS does not respond to pain-killers. This may be because the nerve pathway that regulates pain has been destroyed.
Cold temperature may make it worse, as may movement, fabric on the skin or even the wind.
CPS sufferers may fear being stigmatized as someone who is exaggerating their condition.
Survivors with CPS may withdraw from family and friends to guard against unpredictable stimulation that may intensify the pain.
Believe your survivor, even though you may be unable to comprehend their experience: CPS is not a psychological condition.
It is not unusual for CPS and depression to co-occur. Treating the depression can improve the quality of life.
Listen to your survivor without judgement and believe what they’re saying about how they are experiencing their pain.
Chronic pain counseling for the survivor and for those living with and caring for them, may be helpful. Understanding the difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping is particularly important.
It’s helpful for those around the survivor to educate themselves about CPS, chronic pain and the interventions and strategies to help patients cope with it.
Do not focus on a magic cure or the idea of someday being 100 percent pain free.
Encourage your survivor to set reasonable goals.

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Helping Others Understand: Post-Stroke Central Pain Info Sheet

What You Need to Know about Post-Stroke Central Pain Syndrome (CPS)

Stroke Rehabilitation

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